LJWorld.com / Archive for Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Also from September 12

Births

Blog entries

Obituaries

On the street

Do you think the city should spend money on refurbishing brick roads?

Photos

View all of this day's photos (44)

Photo galleries

KU vs K-State volleyball

Double fatality on U.S. Highway 59

Football Season 2007

Junior high city volleyball quad

Podcasts

Polls

What do you think of President Bush's plans to withdraw 30,000 troops from Iraq

Response	Percent
It’s not enough		48%
It’s the right choice		27%
The surge should continue longer		18%
Undecided		5%
Total	285

Videos

Lead stories

4:48 a.m.

2 road crew workers killed in hit and run: By Mike Belt; September 11, 2007 in print edition on 1A; Investigators are trying to determine why a motorist barreled through a construction area Tuesday morning, killing two highway workers. Two women were taken into custody when the truck they were traveling in was stopped by law enforcement officers after an 11-mile chase that led into Osage County. A spike strip was used to flatten two of the truck’s tires. Charges are pending.

Video: Statement about fatal accident
Video: Highway 59 accident
Video: 2 men killed in hit and run

9:00 a.m.

Brick street to be replaced: By Chad Lawhorn; September 12, 2007 in print edition on 3A; Let the uncovering begin. City commissioners unanimously agreed to move forward on a project to peel back the asphalt of an Old West Lawrence street to uncover the century-old bricks beneath it. Commissioners agreed to accept a state grant that will pay for 80 percent of the costs to rehabilitate the portion of Ohio Street from Sixth Street to Eighth Street.

Video: City commission authorized brick unearthing
On the street: Do you think the city should spend money on refurbishing brick roads?

1:21 p.m.

High School Spodcasters

Football in full swing

Posted September 12, 2007

In this week's edition of high school spodcasters Journal-World high school sports editor Matt Tait and high school beat writers Benton Smith and Jesse Temple get you up to speed on the first couple of weeks of local football action and look ahead to Week 3 in the Sunflower League. In addition, the Lawrence High and Free State High soccer and volleyball squads squared off in the first two showdowns in the race for the 2007 World Company Cup.

2:39 p.m.

Bond set at $2 million for driver linked to construction workers’ deaths: By Mike Belt, Jonathan Kealing; 10:40 a.m., September 12, 2007 Updated 5:08 p.m.; Bond was set at $2 million today for the woman authorities say led police on an 11-mile chase after two construction workers were hit and killed along U.S. Highway 59 Tuesday morning.

Video: 2 men killed in hit and run
Video: Osage County D.A. Brandon Jones on the charges
Video: Women charged in fatal accident
Photo gallery: Double fatality on U.S. Highway 59

4:30 p.m.

Shouldering the load: By Jesse Temple; September 12, 2007 in print edition on 7B; As a fullback on the 1996 Salina Central football team, Jeremy Goates experienced the jubilation of winning a Class 5A state championship inside Kansas University’s Memorial Stadium. That same year Goates endured the pain of a separated left shoulder. The shoulder never fully healed and has slipped out hundreds of time since, even in his sleep.

Video: LHS football finally comes home

10:00 p.m.

Traffic violations pressed while fatality investigation continues: By Mike Belt, Jonathan Kealing; September 12, 2007 in print edition on 1A; The driver of a pickup truck being pursued by a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper following the deaths of two highway workers on Tuesday forced one car to the shoulder and tried to avoid a spike strip placed by officers. Osage County Attorney Brandon Jones pointed to these factors Wednesday in Osage County court while asking that Ramona I. Morgan, 48, the accused driver, be held on $2 million bond.

Video: Osage County D.A. Brandon Jones on the charges
Video: Women charged in fatal accident
Video: KU researching highway work zone safety
Video: Steven Schrock, KU assistant professor on work zone safety research
Video: Women led police on 11-mile chase
Photo gallery: Double fatality on U.S. Highway 59

All stories

6Sports video: KU looking good against Toledo: By DJ Whetter; September 12, 2007; Let's do some math. The Kansas football team beat Central Michigan 52-7 in week one. Central Michigan beats Toledo 52-31 in week two. In week three, Toledo comes to Lawrence to take on Kansas.
6Sports video: Short week for Free State: September 12, 2007; It's a short week of preparation for the Free State High football team. The Firebirds will host Leavenworth under the Thursday night lights of Haskell Stadium.
6Sports video: KU volleyball opens Big 12 season: By DJ Whetter; September 12, 2007; There's no easing into the Big 12 schedule for the Kansas volleyball team.
6Sports video: Mortensen leading KU defense: By Kevin Romary; September 12, 2007; Through eight quarters of football this year, the Kansas Jayhawks defense has surrendered just seven points. Leading the charge? Linebacker Joe Mortensen.
6News video: KU researching highway work zone safety: By George Diepenbrock; September 12, 2007; Engineers at KU are working on a new communication system to help alert highway workers of potential danger.
6News video: KU celebrates birthday: By Laura McHugh; September 12, 2007; Happy Birthday to the 'Hawks! The first classes at KU were held 141 years ago today.
6News video: Pacesetter Fund Drive brings in more than $450.000: By Laura McHugh; September 12, 2007; It was quite a kickoff today for the community fundraising campaign for the Douglas County United Way. 16 businesses and organizations brought in more than $450,000 for the United Way in the Pacesetter portion of the fund drive.
6News video: Wednesdays @ Liberty Hall returns: By Laura McHugh; September 12, 2007; An after-school program designed to entertain Lawrence junior high students on early release days will is back for another year. Lawrence Arts Center drama director Ric Averill led students from Central Junior High to downtown Lawrence for the kickoff of the second year of “Wednesdays at Liberty Hall.”
6News video: Business park plans changing: By Janet Reid; September 12, 2007; The vision for a major business park near the Lawrence Municipal Airport has shrunk considerably. Lawrence businessman LJes Santaularia says he no longer plans to pursue a 900-acre business park on property near the airport.
6News video: Food vendors serve up favorites: By Janet Reid; September 12, 2007; Some 1,700 educators and business leaders opened their mouths for a taste of Lawrence this evening. The annual event, conducted by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, gave 27 food vendors a chance to serve up some of their favorite fares.
6News video: Annual Taste of Lawrence draws 1,700: By Mark Fagan; September 12, 2007; Business leaders joined area educators for the biggest foodfest in town: the annual Taste of Lawrence, organized by the Chamber of Commerce.
6News video: Women led police on 11-mile chase: By Laura McHugh; September 12, 2007; The list of charges begins against two women accused of leading police on an 11-mile chase after a fatal hit-and-run accident on Highway 59 Tuesday morning. The accident killed two highway construction workers, 30-year-old Tyrone Korte of Seneca and 24-year-old Rolland Griffith of El Dorado.
Traffic violations pressed while fatality investigation continues: Mother, daughter held for now in Osage County Jail; By Mike Belt & Jonathan Kealing; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A1; The driver of a pickup truck being pursued by a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper following the deaths of two highway workers on Tuesday forced one car to the shoulder and tried to avoid a spike strip placed by officers. Osage County Attorney Brandon Jones pointed to these factors Wednesday in Osage County court while asking that Ramona I. Morgan, 48, the accused driver, be held on $2 million bond.
6News Now: Women charged in U.S. Highway 59 accident: September 12, 2007; In tonight's 6News and tomorrow's Lawrence Journal-World, two women who led police on an 11-mile chase after a hit-and-run accident which killed two construction workers on U.S. Highway 59 were charged in Osage County.
A cloud of smoke visible from Kansas Highway 10 in eastern Douglas County is from a controlled burn: 11:57 a.m., September 12, 2007 Updated 12:28 p.m.; A cloud of smoke visible from Kansas Highway 10 and other parts of eastern Douglas County is from a controlled burn.
Bond set at $2 million for driver linked to construction workers’ deaths: First court appearance could come today; By Mike Belt & Jonathan Kealing; 10:40 a.m., September 12, 2007 Updated 05:08 p.m.; Bond was set at $2 million today for the woman authorities say led police on an 11-mile chase after two construction workers were hit and killed along U.S. Highway 59 Tuesday morning.
Kansas State sets sights on KU volleyball’s streak: J-W Staff Reports; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B3; Kansas University takes a five-match winning streak into tonight’s conference opener at 7 in the Horejsi Center against rival Kansas State. “Kansas State will be the best we’ve seen so far this season,” said Ray Bechard, coach of the 7-3 Jayhawks. The Wildcats (8-2) are ranked 19th in the country. Some of their improvement can be traced to the addition of junior Russian newcomer Nataly Karobkova.
Cleveland deals Frye to Seattle: The Associated Press; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B9; Charlie Frye went from starter to starting over, and Brady Quinn moved up a notch. In two days, the Cleveland Browns’ complicated, confusing and crowded quarterback carousel took a dizzying spin. Frye, benched before halftime in Sunday’s season opener, was traded to Seattle for a sixth-round draft pick on Tuesday, a stunningly swift move that raises Quinn, the Browns’ high-profile rookie QB, to No. 2 on the depth chart.
Russell arrives in Bay Area: The Associated Press; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B9; Quarterback JaMarcus Russell arrived in the Bay Area on Tuesday to sign a record rookie deal with the Oakland Raiders and end the longest holdout in more than two decades by the league’s top pick.
Fielder’s 44th powers Brewers: The Associated Press; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B4; Prince Fielder hit his 44th home run, and Corey Hart also connected.
Jurrjens helps Tigers split: September 12, 2007 in print edition on B4; Jason Giambi hit a grand slam, Jorge Posada added a solo homer, and New York beat Toronto for its sixth straight victory. New York (82-62) has won 10 of its last 13 to move a season-high 20 games over .500. The Yankees are four games in front of Detroit in the AL wild-card standings after the Tigers split a doubleheader with Texas on Tuesday.
Ryan Wood’s KU football notebook: September 12, 2007 in print edition on B3; • One year ago • Harper healing • Players of the game • Rocket injuries
City Commission briefs: September 12, 2007 in print edition on A5; • Increase approved in cemetery fees • Notes, bonds sold to pay for projects • Roundabout delayed at west-side intersection
Golfers finding reasons to whine: Wildly criticized FedEx format actually appears to be working, but don’t tell anyone on the tour; By Doug Ferguson - Associated Press Golf Writer; September 12, 2007 in print edition on C2; Robert Allenby was among those who feared the worst when he showed up Tuesday at East Lake. The greens were said to be in such miserable shape that the original edict was for no one to set foot on them until the opening round of the Tour Championship. When conditions slightly improved, the ban was lifted to allow for practice on all but three holes.
Street party set for Friday night: September 12, 2007 in print edition on A3; The second annual Get Downtown street party will be from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday on Eighth Street between Massachusetts and New Hampshire streets.
Mars rover to begin journey into crater: September 12, 2007 in print edition on A12; Two months after surviving a giant dust storm, one of NASA’s robotic rovers on Mars began a risky drive Tuesday into a crater blasted open by a meteor eons ago. Scientists want the rover Opportunity to travel 40 feet down toward a bright band of rocks in the Victoria Crater. They believe the rocks represent the ancient surface of Mars and that studying them could shed clues on the planet’s early climate.
Police give prosecutor case file on missing girl: September 12, 2007 in print edition on A12; Police on Tuesday handed the results of their investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann to a prosecutor, who will decide whether to bring charges against the parents of the missing British girl, an official said.
OPEC agrees to boost crude oil output: September 12, 2007 in print edition on A12; OPEC sought to reassure jittery oil markets Tuesday by agreeing to boost crude production by 500,000 barrels a day — a move the cartel conceded was prompted partly by “clouds on the horizon” from the U.S. housing slump.
Fast-food calorie count rule tossed out: By Larry Newmeister - Associated Press Writer; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A12; A judge struck down a New York City rule Tuesday that required fast-food restaurants to post calorie counts on their menus, but he suggested that expanding the rule to include more restaurants could make it legal.
Lead paint in toys to be eliminated, China agrees: September 12, 2007 in print edition on A2; China pledged Tuesday to eliminate the use of lead paint in the manufacture of toys that are exported to the U.S. as part of a “joint agreement” on product safety that was announced during meetings here. The agreement, which also contains provisions under which the U.S. and China will exchange product safety, design and recall information, comes in response to a wave of recalls of toys and other products that were made in China and sold in the U.S.
Retired general predicts troop exit in 3 years: By John Milburn - Associated Press Writer; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A10; A retired Army general said Tuesday that the election of a new U.S. president next year will hasten the withdrawal of troops from Iraq and improve global opinion of America’s foreign policy. Barry McCaffrey, who led troops during the first war in Iraq in 1991 and was the nation’s drug czar during the Clinton administration, told attendees at a symposium at Fort Leavenworth that he expects the U.S. to be out of Iraq within three years. He believes that no matter who is elected, that person will bring the troops home.
Planning system topic of early meeting: September 12, 2007 in print edition on A3; The Smartcode approach to community growth will be discussed by Douglas County Commission during tonight’s meeting.
Sports coverage: September 12, 2007 in print edition on A14; To the editor: I know that sports reporting is a genre of its own and is not particularly important to everyone. But the Journal-World seems to be very myopically focused on KU. True, this is a “local” institution, but two whole pages to a game where they crushed yet another cream puff visiting team? And yet only a few square inches to the Big 12 Conference that KU belongs to and the national picture where some significant games were played.
Callahan Creek helps two KU students: September 12, 2007 in print edition on B14; Two Kansas University students are recipients of scholarships courtesy of Callahan Creek, a Lawrence-based marketing agency. The agency presented a $2,500 scholarship to journalism student Sheila Wang, who is pursuing a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications; and to fine arts student Alexandria Schmidt, a sophomore double majoring in graphic design and business with an emphasis in marketing.
Survival experts doubt Fossett still alive: September 12, 2007 in print edition on A2; As the search for Steve Fossett dragged into its ninth day Tuesday, experts said they doubted the millionaire adventurer could have survived more than a week in the rugged desert since his plane vanished.
Congress still skeptical about progress in war: By Jill Zuckman - Chicago Tribune; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A10; Facing the senior U.S. commander and top U.S. diplomat in Iraq on a second day of testimony before Congress, several Senate Republicans expressed deep skepticism, frustration and unease with the current American path and little enthusiasm for leaving troops in the war-torn country indefinitely.
Commodities: September 12, 2007 in print edition on B14; • Chicago markets • Local markets • Nonferrous metals
Fresh finds: Serrano chili: September 12, 2007 in print edition on C2; Serrano chilies (pronounced seh-RAH-noh) are hot, literally. With a ranking of 5,000 to 15,000 Scoville units on the chili heat scale, serranos are up to five times hotter than their cousin, the jalapeño. (Jalapenos are rated at 2,000 to 5,000 units. In comparison, sweet bell peppers score zero units, while the fiery habanero has been charted at 300,000 units.)
Pitt AD moves to Arkansas: Razorbacks tap Long to succeed Broyles; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B2; Pittsburgh’s Jeff Long was hired Tuesday to replace Arkansas’ longtime athletic director Frank Broyles, who spent a half-century with the Razorbacks. Broyles started at Arkansas in 1957 when he was hired as football coach and coached the Razorbacks until 1977, when Lou Holtz took over. Broyles will retire at the end of the year. “I will never try to replace Frank Broyles,” Long said at a news conference.
Police thwart major bomb attack in capital: September 12, 2007 in print edition on A2; Police found and defused more than 1,300 pounds of explosives packed into a minibus parked near a marketplace on Tuesday, thwarting what one official described as “a possible disaster.”
Jury finds for ex-officers in case against mayor: September 12, 2007 in print edition on A2; Two former police officers were awarded $6.5 million on Tuesday in a whistle-blower lawsuit that alleged extramarital affairs by the mayor and other misdeeds by his security unit.
Bush plans to outline withdrawals this week: The Associated Press; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A1; President Bush will tell the nation this week he plans to reduce the American troop presence in Iraq by as many as 30,000 by next summer but will condition those and further cuts on continued progress, The Associated Press has learned.
Bus lane approved to ease traffic bottlenecks: Step taken to lessen congestion at LHS; By George Diepenbrock; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A3; Traffic congestion is like clockwork each weekday morning and afternoon at Lawrence High School, 1901 La., when school buses pull over. “A rear-ender can happen at any moment,” said Lisa Hatter, who lives in the 2000 block of Ohio Street near the school.
Brainy bird Alex the parrot dies: The Associated Press; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A2; Alex, a parrot who could count to six, identify colors and even express frustration with repetitive scientific trials, has died after 30 years of helping researchers better understand the avian brain. The cause of Alex’s death was unknown. The African Grey parrot’s average life span is 50 years, Brandeis University scientist Irene Pepperberg said. She said Alex was discovered dead in his cage Friday but she waited to release the news until this week so grieving researchers could get over the shock and talk about it.
On the Record: September 12, 2007 in print edition on A4; • Law enforcement report • Fire calls
Southwest edges South for city quad title: Game Staff Reports; September 12, 2007; The Southwest Bulldogs defended their city quad volleyball title on Tuesday with a perfect night against their intra-city rivals. The Bulldogs went 4-0 on the night and capped off their third straight title with a win over South.
People in the News: September 12, 2007 in print edition on B15; • DiFranco goes from Church to Babeville • Michelle Yeoh to receive the Legion of Honor • Timberlake postpones 2 shows to rest voice
Kanye West blames MTV for Britney Spears’ VMA bomb: The Associated Press; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B15; Kanye West blames MTV for Britney Spears’ less than stellar performance at the Video Music Awards. “Man, they were just trying to get ratings, and they knew she wasn’t ready and they exploited her,” the 29-year-old rapper said Tuesday on Sirius Satellite Radio’s “The Morning Mash Up.”
Horoscopes: September 12, 2007; You put your best foot forward this year. Be careful, as on some level you might sabotage yourself. Go within if results are not what you expected. If you are single, you have a lot to offer others. You might not realize how appealing you really are. If you are attached, you'll discover how important it is to agree to disagree and not get into petty issues.
Tony Bennett’s appeal never ends: By Kevin McDounough; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B15; Oh, what a little moonlight will do. Halfway through Tony Bennett’s performance of “Fly Me to the Moon” at the Monterey Jazz festival featured in the “American Masters” (8 p.m., PBS, check local listings) salute “Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends,” the singer looks up to see the clouds have parted to reveal, as if on cue, a gorgeous full moon.
Keegan: Jayhawk altogether a Raider: By Tom Keegan; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B1; The appeal of the Oakland Raiders extends well beyond the Bay Area. It’s not about geography. It’s about mentality. Kansas University middle linebacker and Oakland native Joe Mortensen calls himself a Raiders fan. Let’s consult the checklist and see if he qualifies.
Down early, Firebirds edge Ravens: Pendleton invokes threat of ‘Big Nine’ midway through second half; By Jesse Temple; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B1; Nobody on Free State High’s boys soccer team wants to run a Big Nine. Ever. “It’s like physical endurance activity,” midfielder Tyler Hatesohl said. “I don’t know how to explain it.” “It is a grueling running punishment for making stupid mental errors,” midfielder Andrew Heck said.
P.M. tells party leaders he intends to resign: September 12, 2007 in print edition on A2; Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced Wednesday he would resign, ending a year-old government that has suffered a string of damaging scandals and a humiliating electoral defeat.
Friendly fairways: Free State, LHS happy with outings; By Benton Smith; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B1; Out of 15 teams at the Firebird Invitational Tuesday afternoon at Eagle Bend, host Free State High’s and crosstown rival Lawrence High’s girls golf teams finished 12th and 14th, respectively, a long way behind winner Olathe East. Yet neither team seemed that down at the end of the 18-hole round, the first of two Sunflower League tournaments this year.
Bulldogs roll Pembroke Hill: Game Staff Reports; September 12, 2007; The Southwest eighth graders welcomed Pembroke Hill for a friendly game of football on Tuesday at Southwest Junior High. After the opening kickoff, however, the visitors weren't feeling very welcome.
Army set to start tests on lightweight Humvees: September 12, 2007 in print edition on A12; The Army said Tuesday that it will begin testing a nonmetal Humvee that is 900 pounds lighter than its conventional counterpart so it can add extra armor to better protect soldiers from roadside bombs.
Roman Catholic bishop dies in police custody: September 12, 2007 in print edition on A12; A bishop who led an underground congregation of Roman Catholics and was repeatedly detained in China for his loyalty to the Vatican died in police custody, a monitoring group said Tuesday.
Israel prepares response to rocket attack that wounded dozens: By Josef Federman - Associated Press Writer; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A12; The Israeli government came under increasing pressure Tuesday to respond harshly to rocket fire from the Gaza Strip after a barrage wounded dozens of soldiers as they slept in their tents at an Israeli army base.
Details emerge in W. Va. torture case: By John Raby and Tom Breen - Associated Press Writers; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A12; For at least a week, authorities say, a young black woman was held captive in a mobile home, forced to eat animal waste, stabbed, choked and repeatedly sexually abused — all while being peppered with a racial slur. It wasn’t until deputies acting on an anonymous tip drove to a ramshackle trailer deep in West Virginia’s rural hills that she was found. Limping toward the door with her arms outstretched, she uttered, “Help me,” the Logan County sheriff’s office said.
Players’ rights important, too: By Mike Hoeflich; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A15; During my 13 years as a faculty member at Kansas University, there have been times when I have been exceptionally proud of the university and other times when I have felt disappointed and let down. Never before, however, have I felt embarrassed about being at KU as I do now. I am embarrassed as a member of the community and as a member of the faculty. What is the source of my embarrassment?
Landowner fights to stop poisoning: The Associated Press; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B16; A Logan County landowner has won a restraining order prohibiting the county from poisoning any more prairie dogs on his land, his lawyer said. Exterminators showed up on Larry Haverfield’s ranch and began using aluminum phosphide gas to poison nearly 100 acres of prairie dog burrows. A 1904 state law allows county governments to poison land with prairie dogs and bill the landowner.
Pastors deal with fearful immigrants after tribal raid: ‘Chief’ accused of selling memberships; By Roxana Hegeman - Associated Press Writer; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B16; Like other area ministers, the Rev. Francisco Aguirre is trying to quell the fears of immigrants in his flock who bought Kaweah Indian Nation memberships believing they would then be U.S. citizens. Aguirre, pastor of Iglesia Cristiana Redempcion in Wichita, also is allegedly a victim himself.
Century-old shipwreck found on Superior’s floor: By John Flesher - Associated Press Writer; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A13; Explorers have discovered a century-old shipwrecked ore carrier that sank mysteriously during a Lake Superior storm less than two months after it was launched. All but one of the Cyprus’ 23 crew members died in the Oct. 11, 1907, disaster. A team with the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society found the wreckage last month about 460 feet beneath the surface and announced the discovery this week, said Tom Farnquist, the group’s executive director.
Region to hold Day of Conception to help boost demographics: Couples given time off work to procreate, will win prizes if child is born on country’s national day; By Masha Stromova - Associated Press Writer; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A13; Make a baby. Win a car. Don’t be surprised if the streets are empty and curtains drawn in this central Russian region today as residents take up an offer by the regional governor to help stem Russia’s demographic crisis. Ulyanovsk Gov. Sergei Morozov has decreed Sept. 12 a Day of Conception and is giving couples time off from work to procreate.
Military helping soldiers fight tough, everyday enemy: stress: By Tony Perry - Los Angeles Times; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A9; The names — while comic — were meant to reflect an unfunny reality: the sometimes overbearing stress felt by Marines and sailors serving in Iraq. Such as Cpl. Angermode, who after a roadside bomb exploded in Iraq began telling his fellow Marines that he couldn’t wait to begin killing Iraqis. Chief Screamer, who dealt with his stress by screaming at everyone. And Lance Cpl. Stoneface, who just shut down emotionally and kept silently to himself.
U.S. must perservere in Iraq: By Cal Thomas; September 12, 2007; There is no photograph of Satan, so we must improvise with what we have: Osama bin Laden. Looking like a Middle East version of a bad “Just for Men” beard dye commercial, OBL has resurfaced to deliver another rambling address to America. Conversion to Islam, he said, would mean no taxes, just a low single digit “alms” requirement. Maybe he’s trying to appeal to the Republican base.
Investigators turn to forensic sculptor in skeleton mystery: By Brian Skoloff - Associated Press Writer; September 12, 2007; Discarded like trash, eight bodies went unnoticed for years in a thicket of trees and scrub, on the edge of downtown. When they were discovered in March, nothing remained but bones. Six months later, authorities still know precious little about the skeletons, other than they were white men between the ages of 18 and 49 and died as far back as 1980.
Old Home Town - 100 years ago: September 12, 2007 in print edition on A14; From the Lawrence Daily World for Sept. 12, 1907: “The high school had 564 pupils last year but officials do not expect that many this fall after enrollment is finalized. Lower grades have not been as large as usual and this transmits to high school totals that are lower.
Keeping track: A new innovation can give parents the upper hand in the cell-phone wars.; J-W Editorials; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A14; It’s hard to get worked up about a new cell phone monitoring system infringing on teenagers’ right to privacy. Since when do teenagers have a “right” to keep secret from their parents such things as who they are talking to on the phone or where they are on a Saturday night? Not that teens haven’t been pretty successful in hiding such information from their parents for generations, but it’s hardly a constitutional issue.
Public-private partnership is a revolutionary tool in poverty fight: By Leonard Pitts Jr.; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A14; Hell was a housing project. East Lake Meadows was built of bricks and ringed by barbed wire and called Little Vietnam because it was a war zone. “Do you know where you are?” a horrified cop once demanded of a lost driver with out-of-state plates. An official of the Carter administration once accompanied the president on a visit and found himself terrified. And he had Secret Service protection.
Military surge can’t resolve political crisis: By George Will; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A14; Before Gen. David Petraeus’ report, and to give it a context of optimism, the president visited Iraq’s Anbar province to underscore the success of the surge in making some hitherto anarchic areas less so. More significant, however, was the fact that the president did not visit Baghdad. This underscored the fact that the surge has failed, as measured by the president’s and Petraeus’ standards of success.
Peoples Bank adds relationship officer: September 12, 2007 in print edition on B14; Marty Mosier has joined Peoples Bank in Lawrence as a business relationship officer, responsible for cultivating and managing commercial banking relationships and helping businesses reach their financial goals.
Easy ways to save on energy costs: By Consumer Reports; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B14; You want to save money as well as do your part to combat global warming. But what's the best way to get started? Consumer Reports has come up with 10 tips to help consumers save money while they save the planet based on its testing and advice from its experts.
Home prices outpacing income: Gap widening in majority of nation’s largest cities; By Stephen Ohlemacher - Associated Press Writer; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B14; A look at new Census data provides insight into the reasons for the slumping housing market: Since 1990, homeowners have faced a growing gap between their incomes and the price of their homes. The widening gap in all but a handful of the nation’s 500 largest cities helped make the recent boom in housing prices unsustainable, according to analysts. The rising prices were fueled largely by low interest rates and risky borrowing, rather than increasing incomes.
Mother’s plight thrusts 8-year-old boy into immigration debate spotlight: By Peter Prengaman - Associated Press Writer; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A11; An 8-year-old boy has become a star attraction at pro-immigration events since his mother took refuge in a Chicago church before she was deported to Mexico. Now, even some inside the immigration movement are questioning whether Saul Arellano is being exploited.
For some, quest for citizenship became black hole of red tape: By Anna Gorman - Los Angeles Times; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A11; Seeking to become a U.S. citizen, Biljana Petrovic filed her application, completed her interview and passed her civics test. More than three years later, she is still waiting to be naturalized — held up by an FBI name-check process that has been criticized as slow, inefficient and a danger to national security.
Fall flavors come alive on ‘Jayni’: September 12, 2007 in print edition on C2; Join “Jayni’s Kitchen” this week for “A Taste of Teller’s.” Host Jayni Carey and her guests, Teller’s chefs Michael Beard and Jason Smith, will prepare Teller’s Sausage Stuffed Quail with Vin Cotto, Creamy Sage Polenta and Torta Con Le Mele.
Wannabe musicians show off chops in ‘Guitar Hero’ competition: By Jon Niccum; September 12, 2007 in print edition on C1; It was only a few years ago that folks who dreamed of being a rock star but possessed no actual musical talent were forced to settle by playing air guitar. But recent technology has made the fantasy a little more graspable.
Cooler air ushers in fall, winter fare: By Gwyn Mellinger; September 12, 2007 in print edition on C1; On Saturday, the afternoon temperature was in the 80s, and we cooked steaks on the grill. It was a perfect late-summer main course, with sliced tomatoes on the side. Even though it was a light meal, it hit the spot. Not too much food, but just enough.
Kitchen Transition: Cooking for two brings challenges and adventures for empty-nesters; September 12, 2007 in print edition on C1; Things are different these days in Peggy and Dwight Hilpman’s kitchen. The Lucky Charms that used to be in the cabinet have been replaced with bran flakes. The Lawrence couple eat more salads. There are actually leftovers occasionally in the fridge — their five children used to eat them up within hours. And — gasp — they can keep vodka and wine in the freezer.
Shouldering the load: New trainer a perfect fit for LHS; By Jesse Temple; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B7; As a fullback on the 1996 Salina Central football team, Jeremy Goates experienced the jubilation of winning a Class 5A state championship inside Kansas University’s Memorial Stadium. That same year Goates endured the pain of a separated left shoulder. The shoulder never fully healed and has slipped out hundreds of time since, even in his sleep.
KU women’s golf fifth: September 12, 2007 in print edition on B10; Kansas University’s women’s golf team placed fifth of 18 teams at the Nebraska Chip-N Club Invitational on Tuesday at Woodlands Hill Golf Course.
D-tackle on field at ‘95 percent’: Haselhorst overcomes another maddening injury setback; By Ryan Wood; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B1; Just imagine what went through Todd Haselhorst’s head this summer when an unmistakable pain shot through his foot. “I was a little (ticked) off at first,” said Haselhorst, a Kansas University defensive tackle. “I walked off the field and knew something wasn’t right.” Once again, his career was derailed without ever really gaining any steam. Haselhorst suffered a broken left foot that was to keep him out for roughly a month.
Fewer schools missing reading, math test targets: By John Hanna - Associated Press Writer; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A5; Kansas had fewer failing schools this year than last year, and some officials believe large increases in state aid deserve much of the credit. For the 2006-07 school year, 154 schools failed to show adequate progress toward improving students’ scores on reading and math tests, the Department of Education reported Tuesday. That’s about 18 percent fewer than the 187 schools failing to make adequate progress in 2005-06.
Boyda wants more study of Iraq report: By Scott Rothschild; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A10; U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda, D-Topeka, whose district includes west Lawrence, said she wanted to study President Bush’s proposed plan for a partial troop withdrawal more before she decided whether it was adequate. “The devil is in the details,” Boyda said.
More culture, language skills necessary in modern warfare, KU professors say: By Romina Spina - Associated Press Writer; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A3; Poor understanding of foreign cultures is at the heart of failings in modern warfare, two Kansas academics told a conference of military historians and officials Tuesday in Britain. Felix Moos and Bart Dean, anthropology professors at Kansas University, addressed England’s prestigious Oxford University, urging military and intelligence leaders to place a new emphasis on skills in languages and culture.
KUMC closer to agreement with St. Luke’s: By Jonathan Kealing; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A3; Missouri-based St. Luke’s Hospital would get to call itself a teaching and research hospital of Kansas University Medical Center under a draft agreement between the university and St. Luke’s, presented Tuesday to the KU Hospital Authority board.
Contradictions noted in state energy policy: Sebelius calls for both clean power, coal-fired electricity plants; By Scott Rothschild; September 12, 2007; Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today will tell a national audience about the need for clean energy, but environmentalists say she is ignoring the 800-pound gorilla in her own state. That would be the proposed Sunflower project — twin 700-megawatt coal-burning plants that if approved on her watch would be built near Holcomb in western Kansas. “If she approves those plants, obviously there is a contradiction here,” said Craig Volland, a spokesman for the Kansas chapter of the Sierra Club.
Brick street to be replaced: By Chad Lawhorn; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A3; Let the uncovering begin. City commissioners unanimously agreed to move forward on a project to peel back the asphalt of an Old West Lawrence street to uncover the century-old bricks beneath it. Commissioners agreed to accept a state grant that will pay for 80 percent of the costs to rehabilitate the portion of Ohio Street from Sixth Street to Eighth Street.
Texas receiver Jones gets his shot: Senior has snared 17 catches in two games playing opposite superstar WR Sweed; By Jim Vertuno - Associated Press Sports Writer; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B11; It would have been easy for Nate Jones to be the forgotten man in Texas’ offense. That’s pretty much what he was the last three seasons anyway. That’s far from the case this year. The senior wide receiver has 17 catches for 163 yards and a touchdown in the No. 6 Longhorns’ first two games, good enough to rank ninth in the country with 81⁄2 receptions per game. He had only 13 catches all of last season.
Rivalry game awaits Chizik, struggling ISU: By Luke Meredith - Associated Press Sports Writer; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B11; Iowa State coach Gene Chizik has been involved in some of college football’s biggest rivalries, like Clemson-South Carolina, Alabama-Auburn and Texas-Oklahoma. He’ll get his first taste of Iowa-Iowa State on Saturday, and star wide receiver Todd Blythe says Chizik will finally get to see just how much this matchup means to the coaches, players and fans on each side.
Big 12 honors Wissel: September 12, 2007 in print edition on B10; Kansas University’s Colby Wissel was named the men’s Big 12 cross country runner of the week Tuesday. Wissel, a senior from Elm Creek, Neb., won the Kansas-Kansas State dual in a 5K time of 15:07.6. He also won the award a year ago.
Kansas men’s golf 17th: September 12, 2007; Kansas University freshman Nate Barbee shot a final-round 77 Tuesday to place 47th overall at the St. Mary's Invitational in his collegiate debut. The Jayhawks as a team carded a final round score of 312 to place 17th.
Seniors lead home sweep: By Jason Elmquist; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B10; It didn’t take the Veritas Christian volleyball players long to look like they were in midseason form. In their season-opening home quadrangular Tuesday at East Lawrence Athletic Center, Veritas swept Manhattan Chief (25-19, 25-16), Kansas School for the Deaf (25-10, 25-11) and Grandview Christian (25-23, 28-26).
Everett will walk again, neurosurgeon says: By John Wawrow - Associated Press Sports Writer; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B9; Kevin Everett voluntarily moved his arms and legs on Tuesday when partially awakened, prompting a neurosurgeon to say the Buffalo Bills’ tight end would walk again — contrary to the grim prognosis given a day before.
Forty years later, ’Brian’s Song’ back in spotlight: By Fred Mitchell - Chicago Tribune; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B9; Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers became the first interracial roommates in the NFL in 1967. After Piccolo died at the age of 26 from a rare form of cancer, the movie “Brian’s Song” depicted the true emotional bond between these former Bears running backs.
K.C. switches kickers: The Associated Press; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B8; The Kansas City Chiefs signed former Green Bay kicker Dave Rayner on Tuesday, sending struggling rookie Justin Medlock to the practice squad. Medlock, who the Chiefs selected in the fifth round out of UCLA, missed a 30-yard field goal Sunday to spoil a 15-play, 76-yard opening drive in the 20-3 loss at Houston. Medlock also had a shaky preseason.
City Athletes of the Week: September 12, 2007 in print edition on B7; • Kyra Kilwein, Free State High • Clifton Sims, Lawrence High
Tait: Striking a balance: By Matt Tait; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B7; The Free State High girls tennis team has a decidedly different look this fall. Many of the girls wielding rackets are doing so for the first time at the varsity level. And two girls who coach Jon Renberger thought would lead his squad on the court aren’t even out for the team.
High school sports notebook: September 12, 2007 in print edition on B7
Olathe East shuts out Lawrence High soccer: September 12, 2007 in print edition on B6; Lawrence High’s soccer team had 15 shots on goal, but didn’t score in a 3-0 loss to Olathe East on Tuesday night.
Free State tennis third at invitational: September 12, 2007 in print edition on B6; Free State High’s girls tennis team placed third Tuesday at the Gardner-Edgerton Invitational. Jessica Wuthrich went 4-1 and claimed the singles title, while teammate Carly Fish went 2-2.
Twins keep K.C. sinking: The Associated Press; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B6; Scott Baker beat Kansas City again, but it wasn’t as easy this time. The Minnesota right-hander defeated the Royals for the third time this season, pitching the Twins to a 6-3 victory Tuesday night that extended Kansas City’s losing streak to seven games.
Team with best record to get AL playoff pick: September 12, 2007 in print edition on B5; The team with the American League’s best record will decide whether it wants an extra day off during its first-round playoff series.
Clemens throws on side, says he’s ready to pitch: September 12, 2007 in print edition on B5; Roger Clemens threw a bullpen session, pronounced himself ready to return to the mound Sunday night at Boston and revealed tests showed ligament damage in his sore right elbow. Clemens threw at about 80 percent before Tuesday’s series opener at Toronto. Yankees manager Joe Torre already had tentatively slotted him in for the series finale at Fenway Park.
McDonald, Jays agree: September 12, 2007 in print edition on B5; Shortstop John McDonald and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed Tuesday to a $3.8 million, two-year contract extension through the 2009 season.
Astros deal for pitcher: September 12, 2007 in print edition on B5; The Astros acquired pitcher Dennis Sarfate from the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday for cash. The 26-year-old right-hander was 2-7 with four saves and a 4.52 earned-run average in 45 games.
Pirates pick president: September 12, 2007 in print edition on B5; Frank Coonelly, a top labor lawyer in the commissioner’s office, has been selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates to become their next team president.
White Sox give Guillen extension through 2012: September 12, 2007 in print edition on B5; Ozzie Guillen took the White Sox to a World Series championship two years ago. Now he’s trying to keep them from having the worst record in the major leagues.
A-Rod credits Torre for successful season: Yankees third baseman says he’s comfortable with longtime manager; By Tara Sullivan - The Record (Hackensack N.J.); September 12, 2007 in print edition on B5; Over and over this season, Alex Rodriguez has been asked to explain and dissect how he turned a tortuous 2006 season into a historical 2007 one. And over and over, A-Rod’s piercing green eyes stare straight ahead, his smile freezes and he lists off a familiar handful of predictable answers. He’s stopped overanalyzing himself. He’s enjoying the game more. He’s finally comfortable in the scrutiny of New York.
Jayhawks land two: By Ryan Wood; September 12, 2007 in print edition on B3; Ashley Ellis’ friends and family are getting frequent-flyer miles saved up. That’s because the 6-foot-3 high-school senior out of Antioch, Calif., is going far, far away for college. Ellis committed to play for the Kansas University women’s basketball team last week. “People are telling me, “That’s so far away!” Ellis said. “I say ‘Yeah, but it’s a good place.’”
2nd bin Laden video raises new health questions, underlines role: By Lee Keath - Associated Press Writer; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A2; Two messages from Osama bin Laden in a matter of days have revived the game of questions over his health and whereabouts, but they also made clear he is al-Qaida’s propaganda “top gun,” able to draw attention in the West and strike a chord among sympathizers.
Families share memories of workers: By Sophia Maines; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A6; As the truck careened toward him, Ron Griffith thrust a fellow worker out of the way, his father said. “One kid was coming up beside him and he pushed him out of the way just before he got hit,” Mark Griffith said Tuesday, recalling what his son’s co-workers told him of the fateful moment. “He was able to save him. … He thought of everybody else all the time.”
Oklahoma regulators reject application for coal-fired plant: By Ron Jenkins - Associated Press Writer; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A7; State regulators on Monday rejected an application by utility companies to build a coal-fired power plant in northern Oklahoma. The three-member Oklahoma Corporation Commission, with one dissenter, expressed their opposition to an application from Public Service Co. of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. and the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority.
Ceremony away from ground zero brings fewer participants, less emotion: By Amy Westfeldt and Sara Kugler - Associated Press Writers; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A1; Victims’ families huddled under umbrellas Tuesday in a park to mark the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks in the first remembrance ceremony not held at ground zero, an event that failed to evoke the same emotions as the hallowed ground of the World Trade Center site.
Remains confirmed as missing children: By Maria Sudekum Fisher - Associated Press Writer; September 12, 2007 in print edition on A4; Remains found in a shallow grave near the Missouri River are those of two missing children last seen when their father picked them up for a weekend visit in 2004, police confirmed Tuesday. Tom Gentry, spokesman for the Independence police department, said authorities used dental records to confirm that the remains, found Sunday, were those of Sam and Lindsey Porter. Gentry said police were notified Monday evening that the remains had been identified.
Lawrence Datebook: September 12, 2007