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Archive for Saturday, August 23, 2008

Lead stories

12:00 a.m.
The Kansas Highway Patrol's Trucks on Patrol for Safety program, or TOPS, has deployed a big rig as part of its fleet this summer in a mission to catch lawbreakers and reduce the number of traffic fatalities involving large trucks. Troopers partner with truck drivers to catch scofflaws
August 22, 2008 in print edition on 1B
It’s not your traditional patrol car. The Kansas Highway Patrol has deployed a big rig as part of its fleet this summer in a mission to catch law breakers and reduce the number of traffic fatalities involving large trucks.
4:00 a.m.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, right, has picked Delaware Sen. Joe Biden as his running mate. AP: Obama picks Biden as his running mate
12:20 a.m., August 23, 2008 Updated 2:34 a.m.
Barack Obama selected Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware late Friday night to be his vice presidential running mate, according to a Democratic official, balancing his ticket with an older congressional veteran well-versed in foreign and defense issues.
10:00 a.m.
Senator Barack Obama, D-Illinois, center, shakes hands with Topekan Ted Ensley as Obama is escorted by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to the ballroom of the downtown Topeka Ramada Inn, in this file photo. Late Friday, Obama selected Delaware Sen. Joe Biden for the Democratic ticket, ending a frenzy of speculation that also swirled around Sebelius, who was considered by most political observers as among the top tier of possible nominees. Sebelius plans to keep campaigning for Obama
1:12 a.m., August 23, 2008 Updated 12:00 a.m. in print edition on 1A
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Saturday voiced support for U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s pick of U.S. Sen. Joe Biden for vice president, and then headed to Denver to help launch the new ticket and start the Democratic National Convention.In a prepared statement, Sebelius, who had been a contender for the No. 2 spot, said Biden’s experience in foreign policy was “an asset in these complicated times.”
2:00 p.m.
In foreground, from left, Lola Vassar, Niquita Davis and Heather French, all of Lawrence, join a workshop Monday at Independence Inc., 2001 Haskell Ave. The agency is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. At left is Tracy Bedell, the agency's workshop coordinator. 30-year-old agency expands its disability services
August 23, 2008 in print edition on 1B
Independence Inc., which provides services for people with disabilities, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. “For the last 30 years, Independence Inc. has been a catalyst for change,” said Ranita Wilks, independent living skills and peer counseling specialist. Wilks cited the housing and transportation programs the Lawrence agency started as examples of the first of such services in the community.
6:00 p.m.
Lawrence Police officers watch the intersection of 9th and Indiana while Lawrence firefighters battle an early morning blaze at 1005 Indiana in this July 31, 2008 file photo. Lawrence police officers and firefighters would receive a raise less than the 1.5 percent raise received in 2009 under the tentative agreement that city commissioners will consider Tuesday. 1.5 percent raise likely for police, firefighters
August 23, 2008 in print edition on 1A
Lawrence police officers and firefighters will receive at least a 1.5 percent raise in 2009, under a proposed set of deals that city commissioners will consider Tuesday. After protracted negotiations that required a federal labor mediator, the employee organizations for both the police officers and firefighters have agreed to new wage deals.

All stories

Obama introduces running mate Biden
04:47 p.m., August 23, 2008 Updated 12:00 a.m. in print edition on A1
Barack Obama returned Saturday to the place he launched his improbable campaign for the presidency 18 months earlier to introduce running mate Joe Biden as a tough-spirited champion of the working class tested by personal tragedy.
Sebelius addresses gay Democratic group
August 23, 2008
A gay Democratic group mapping strategies to influence the Democratic National Convention will hear from a politician known for securing gay rights in solid GOP country. Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius plans to address the Stonewall Democrats in Denver on Saturday. Last year, the Democratic governor signed an executive order adding sexual orientation to state nondiscrimination policies.
Russell places 10th in Olympics javelin
August 23, 2008 in print edition on C3
Former Jayhawk Scott Russell placed 10th in the Olympics javelin competition.
Vehicle loses control, strikes barrier wall on I-70
August 23, 2008
At about 4:10 a.m. Saturday morning, a vehicle traveling eastbound on I-70 lost control and struck a barrier wall near mile marker 197.
Sebelius plans to keep campaigning for Obama
01:12 a.m., August 23, 2008 Updated 12:00 a.m. in print edition on A1
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Saturday voiced support for U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s pick of U.S. Sen. Joe Biden for vice president, and then headed to Denver to help launch the new ticket and start the Democratic National Convention.In a prepared statement, Sebelius, who had been a contender for the No. 2 spot, said Biden’s experience in foreign policy was “an asset in these complicated times.”
Biden known for international expertise, willingness to speak his mind
Del. senator first elected at age 29
August 23, 2008
Barack Obama told everyone he wanted a running mate who will challenge his thinking, and now he’s got one. Joe Biden’s tendency to speak his own mind - and speak and speak - is entwined in his DNA.
AP: Obama picks Biden as his running mate
Sebelius listed as one of other finalists
12:20 a.m., August 23, 2008 Updated 02:34 a.m.
Barack Obama selected Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware late Friday night to be his vice presidential running mate, according to a Democratic official, balancing his ticket with an older congressional veteran well-versed in foreign and defense issues.
Scouting news
August 23, 2008 in print edition on D3
Prudence’ a dour mystery-solver
August 23, 2008 in print edition on D7
Jane Seymour returns to Saturday night. The star of “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” has the title role in the made-for-TV mystery “Dear Prudence” (8 p.m., today, Hallmark).
National League Roundup: Harris’ homers shatter Chicago
August 23, 2008 in print edition on C4
Willie Harris hit his first career grand slam and a two-run homer, and the Nationals overcame a four-run deficit to beat the Cubs.
Universities try to control students off campus
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A6
Ah, life in the university district. Cheap ethnic food. Vibrant street life. Fresh-faced students whizzing by on bicycles. People who choose to live on the beautiful tree-lined streets surrounding the nation’s institutions of higher learning often get a more vibrant experience than they expected - loud parties, rundown student boarding houses and trash generated by weekend melees.
1.5 percent raise likely for police, firefighters
City Commission must OK contracts
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A1
Lawrence police officers and firefighters will receive at least a 1.5 percent raise in 2009, under a proposed set of deals that city commissioners will consider Tuesday. After protracted negotiations that required a federal labor mediator, the employee organizations for both the police officers and firefighters have agreed to new wage deals.
Board picks casino managers
August 23, 2008 in print edition on B5
Kansas has picked Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. to build and manage a state-owned casino in Sumner County, but the decision left some upset and wondering what happens if three lawsuits go the wrong way.
4-H news
August 23, 2008 in print edition on D3
Analysis: US winding down combat with troop withdrawal deal
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A7
The U.S.-Iraqi deal on troop withdrawals, while not yet final, appears to mark the beginning of the end of a combat commitment that has cost more than 4,100 U.S. lives and at least $500 billion.
Horoscopes
August 23, 2008 in print edition on D7
Basics play a dominant role in your life and birthday year. The unexpected occurs frequently, and as a result, you learn to work with different situations. You will flex far more than in the past, as others often seem to come to you with surprises.
Club news
August 23, 2008 in print edition on D5
Around and about
August 23, 2008 in print edition on D3
Woodling: A look at future of Big 12
August 23, 2008 in print edition on C1
Big 12 Conference athletic directors adopted a rule today requiring league schools to play at least one football game on campus every season. The ruling is aimed at preventing league schools with smaller stadiums from staging all their games at larger professional facilities in order to boost attendance and increase revenue. Over the last few years, for example, Kansas and Kansas State have been playing the majority of their home games at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium.
Preseason Roundup: Patriots struggle without Brady
August 23, 2008 in print edition on C6
The New England Patriots need a lot more than the return of Tom Brady.
Bethel taps ex-Jayhawk
August 23, 2008 in print edition on C2
Former Kansas University standout Alonzo Jamison has been named an assistant men’s basketball coach at Bethel College.
Senate GOP hurting for campaign money
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A2
Republican prospects in U.S. Senate races this November grew grimmer Friday, as the head of the party’s campaign arm announced he must reduce its budget because GOP senators are raising too little money.
People in the news
August 23, 2008 in print edition on D7
¢ McMahon to sell home, but not to Trump¢ Faded rocker Glitter finally arrives in Britain¢ ‘Wire’ actress arrested on minor drug charge¢ Da Brat sentenced to 3 years for assault¢ Kattan separating from wife after 2 months
3 arrests tied to Web threat on UK leader
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A2
Three terrorism suspects arrested in northern England earlier this month were detained in connection with an Internet threat against Prime Minister Gordon Brown, British media reported Friday.
Scripted conventions lack drama
August 23, 2008 in print edition on B6
Like a lot of you, I’ve spent most of my evenings the last two weeks, late into the night, watching the summer Olympics from China. So what should I do next week when the Olympics are over? Watch the political conventions? It won’t be the same.
Lawmakers’ war on earmarks fades
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A4
Whatever happened to the Republican Party’s war on pork? It never was the full-fledged assault envisioned by conservatives, but the GOP’s battle against parochial home-state projects sought by members of Congress has faded into oblivion.
NU: Athletes broke rules
August 23, 2008 in print edition on C2
Two wrestlers kicked off Nebraska’s team after appearing on a pornographic Web site broke NCAA rules twice in five months, athletic director Tom Osborne said.
Finding the faithful: Student involvement essential for campus religious groups
August 23, 2008 in print edition on D1
It might start with a casual meal. Then maybe a weekend date. And pretty soon, you’re hooked. You can’t imagine your college life without that certain something - church, synagogue, youth group, mosque or other outlet to celebrate your religion. Local places of worship aren’t oblivious to the number of students who recently descended upon Lawrence, ready to start classes at Kansas University.
Military academies put on info session at FSHS
August 23, 2008 in print edition on B2
High school students interested in attending any of the country’s service academies will have a chance to learn more about the academies at an event Thursday at Free State High School.
Campaign takes toll on hair
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A2
The rigors of the presidential campaign appear to be taking a toll on Sen. Barack Obama, whose closely shorn black hair appears to be increasingly gray. But when his 71-year-old Republican rival is questioning his experience, perhaps a little salt in the pepper is good.
Mayor rejects plea deal in assault case
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A2
Prosecutors made a “limited-time offer” Friday to Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick: Resign by Sept. 3 in exchange for the dismissal of one of two assault charges against him. Kilpatrick rejected the deal, which a mayoral spokesman dismissed as grandstanding.
Typo fixers punished for defacing rare sign
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A3
When it comes to marking up historic signs, good grammar is a bad defense.
US: 30 militants killed in clash at compound
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A2
U.S.-led troops attacked a compound where Taliban leaders were meeting and killed 30 militants, American and Afghan military officials said Friday, but the Interior Ministry said a large number of civilians died. The U.S. said it would investigate.
Small plane hits house, leaving 3 dead
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A3
An experimental aircraft crashed into a house and exploded shortly after takeoff Friday, killing the pilot and two people inside the home, authorities said.
Warship going after hijacked crew, vessels
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A7
A warship from an international naval force has been deployed to track three vessels and their 57 crew members that were hijacked in an unprecedented spate of attacks by pirates off the coast of Somalia, a maritime official said Friday.
30-year-old agency expands its disability services
August 23, 2008 in print edition on B1
Independence Inc., which provides services for people with disabilities, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. “For the last 30 years, Independence Inc. has been a catalyst for change,” said Ranita Wilks, independent living skills and peer counseling specialist. Wilks cited the housing and transportation programs the Lawrence agency started as examples of the first of such services in the community.
Tropical Storm Fay moving out of Florida after 5 days
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A3
As Tropical Storm Fay finally got on track Friday to leave Florida behind, flood-stricken homeowners got an encouraging sign: Muddy brown water lines began appearing on the sides of homes, a clue that floodwaters were receding.
Group meets Monday to help save the T
August 23, 2008 in print edition on B2
A new campaign to save the city’s public transit system is having an organization meeting on Monday.
Aide: Iraqi Shiite leader may stay in Iran
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A7
Militant Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr plans to make a series of short visits to Iraq starting within weeks but has decided to make Iran his home base for years to come, a key aide says.
Stricker best at Barclays
Leader up by three shots over Mahan
August 23, 2008 in print edition on C2
Steve Stricker is right at home at Ridgewood Country Club - and the top of The Barclays leaderboard. A year after winning across the Hudson at Westchester Country Club, the Wisconsin player shot a 7-under 64 in perfect morning conditions Friday to take a three-stroke lead over Hunter Mahan in the FedEx Cup playoff opener.
Motorcyclists to raise funds for nonprofit
August 23, 2008 in print edition on B3
Riverfront Harley-Davidson, 608 N. Second St., will kick off the 14th annual March of Dimes Bikers for Babies event with pre-registration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today in North Lawrence.
110-car train catches fire after derailment
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A3
A train derailment in central Oklahoma on Friday sent fireballs into the sky but caused no injuries.
Embarq to cut hundreds of jobs
August 23, 2008 in print edition on B8
Telecommunications provider Embarq Corp. said Friday it is cutting between 500 and 700 jobs and eliminating around 300 contract positions as it deals with a continued loss of telephone customers.
Military news
August 23, 2008 in print edition on D3
Old Home Town - 100 years ago
August 23, 2008 in print edition on B6
From the Lawrence Daily World for Aug. 23, 1908: “It was 45 years ago Aug. 21 when this unsuspecting town was rudely surprised by the band of ruffians commanded by William Quantrill. Some 180 men and boys, innocent of any charges, were slaughtered in their homes and places of business.
Smartsville gets second ‘s’ back
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A4
Smartsville just reclaimed something taken from it nearly a century ago: its second “s.”
China asked to give proof of gymnasts’ ages
August 23, 2008 in print edition on C3
The parents of the Chinese gymnasts are indignant, the International Olympic Committee sounds satisfied, and the Beijing Games are almost over. Yet questions persisted Friday about the ages of China’s gold-medal women’s gymnastics team.
Nebraska ‘safe-haven’ law allows abandonment of teens
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A1
Nebraska’s new “safe-haven” law allowing parents to abandon unwanted children at hospitals with no questions asked is unique in a significant way: It goes beyond babies and potentially permits the abandonment of anyone under 19.
Dream team’ routs Argentina
August 23, 2008 in print edition on C3
For people who can’t remember what it was like when the U.S. truly dominated Olympic basketball, this is it.
Lawrence Civic Choir to begin fall auditions
August 23, 2008 in print edition on D8
The Lawrence Civic Choir, a community-based singing organization, is gearing up for its fall rehearsal season.
Regulators shut down Columbian Bank in Kansas
August 23, 2008 in print edition on B5
Federal regulators on Friday shut down Kansas bank Columbian Bank and Trust Company. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. was appointed receiver of Columbian Bank of Topeka, which had $752 million in assets and $622 million in deposits as of June 30.
4-eared cat in photo now famous
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A2
The owners of Yoda - a cat with four ears - could use a couple extra hands to answer their telephones.
Center of attention
Aldrich ‘doing great’ so far as Jayhawks’ default leader
August 23, 2008 in print edition on C1
All work and no play makes for a brutally dull summer vacation. So Kansas University sophomore center Cole Aldrich, who served as a counselor with other college standouts at the Adidas Nations camp in Dallas and spent countless hours in the gym and weight room, also fit in some down time during June and July.
More Kemper awards distributed
August 23, 2008 in print edition on B2
Four more Kansas University professors received William T. Kemper fellowships Friday. The winners include:
Demanding charter school may save struggling students
August 23, 2008 in print edition on B7
Seated at a solitary desk in the hall outside a classroom, the slender 13-year-old boy with a smile like a sunrise earnestly does remedial algebra, assisted by a paid tutor. She, too, is 13. Both wear the uniform - white polo shirt, khaki slacks - of a school that has not yet admitted the boy. It will, because he refuses to go away.
American League Roundup: Pedroia punishes Blue Jays
August 23, 2008 in print edition on C4
Dustin Pedroia and Jason Varitek hit solo home runs, Paul Byrd won for the fifth time in six starts, and Boston beat Toronto.
Nutcracker auditions slated for Sept. 14
August 23, 2008 in print edition on D8
Auditions for performers of all ages to participate in “A Kansas Nutcracker 2008” are scheduled for next month.
Commentary: Upshaw’s death leaves void
Union leader was proud of NFL labor peace
August 23, 2008 in print edition on C6
Shaun O’Hara had just arrived at Giants Stadium for practice Thursday morning when a teammate said he had seen an item about Gene Upshaw’s death on television.
Old Home Town - 25 years ago
August 23, 2008 in print edition on B6
Kansas Atty. Gen. Bob Stephan led media representatives and law officials through the rain and mud in what one official called the biggest marijuana raid in Kansas history. The raid occurred in a field about a half-mile north of DeSoto in Leavenworth County.
Rebuilding Chiefs loaded in 2008 - with questions
August 23, 2008 in print edition on C6
When Tony Gonzalez says the rebuilding Kansas City Chiefs might surprise everyone, even the people who love him most start rolling their eyes.
Decision delayed on fine arts school
August 23, 2008 in print edition on B1
Kansas University officials say any decisions about a possible restructuring of the School of Fine Arts have been delayed because of the university’s need to review its budget.
Boeing weighs exiting $35B tanker competition
August 23, 2008 in print edition on B4
Boeing Co. is considering bailing out of a politically charged competition for a $35 billion contract to build aerial refueling tankers for the Air Force, if it does not receive an additional four months from the Pentagon to assemble its offer.
Second-half surge carries KU soccer to rout
August 23, 2008 in print edition on C1
Rather than pacing the sidelines Friday afternoon, Mark Francis could be spotted perched above Jayhawk Soccer Complex, catching the Kansas University women’s soccer season opener from a camera tower just outside the pitch.
Widower of slain Bhutto proposed for Pakistan president
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A3
Pakistan’s largest political party on Friday proposed the husband of assassinated leader Benazir Bhutto to succeed the ousted Pervez Musharraf as president.
Standoff ends during 3rd day with arrest
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A3
Police ended a two-day standoff with a burglary suspect holed up in a motel with his pregnant girlfriend, arresting the man wanted in four states late Friday, authorities said.
Tennis experience slight
It’s going to be a struggle a little bit’
August 23, 2008 in print edition on C5
Elizabeth Simons may not know it, but she is among a rare breed of area high school girls tennis players this year. The Lawrence High junior is one of just seven returning players with any significant varsity experience on the city’s three girls tennis teams. That’s two for Lawrence, two for Free State and three for Seabury Academy.
Works by Warhol, Arbus part of ‘Time/Frame’
August 23, 2008 in print edition on D1
Time will be the focus of two exhibitions this fall at the Spencer Museum of Art, the first of which opens today.
Petraeus may be key to Pakistan shift
August 23, 2008 in print edition on B6
Pakistan’s President Pervez Musharraf, the longtime military dictator who resigned Monday, was an ambivalent ally in the fight against radical Islamists.
Royals shelve Mahay
August 23, 2008 in print edition on C2
The Kansas City Royals placed reliever Ron Mahay on the disabled list Friday, with injured third baseman Alex Gordon almost certain to join him soon.
Olympic Roundup: U.S. men shine on courts, in pool
August 23, 2008 in print edition on C3
Put up a net, put American men in action and watch out. At these Olympics, that’s becoming an unbeatable combination. From volleyball to water polo to basketball, the guys in red, white and blue made their country proud Friday.
On the record
August 23, 2008 in print edition on B2
A 30-year-old Lawrence man reported $6,550 in criminal damage to a Dodge Neon. Two wheels and tires, the undercarriage of the vehicle and body paint were reported damaged. The incident occurred Sunday in the 700 block of Lauren Street.
Colleges spark drinking age debate
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A6
The college presidents said they wanted a national debate on the 21-year-old drinking age. They got it. For years, former Middlebury College President John McCardell has been criticizing the law, saying it only encourages binge drinking and pushes alcohol into the shadows.
Bernanke: Financial crisis taking toll on economy
August 23, 2008 in print edition on B4
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Friday the financial crisis that has pounded the country - coupled with higher inflation - is taking a toll on the economy and poses a major challenge to Fed policymakers as they try to restore stability.
Cabrera dooms K.C.
August 23, 2008 in print edition on C5
Miguel Cabrera provided the power and Justin Verlander the pitching. Still, the Detroit Tigers needed a lucky break to survive a ninth-inning scare from the Kansas City Royals.
Suicide attack kills at least 6 police
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A2
Police say a suicide bomber used a car laden with explosives to attack a police station in northwestern Pakistan, killing at least six officers.
Sebelius fends off questions, speculation
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A5
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius stuck to a normal schedule Friday between bantering with reporters and ducking their questions about whether she would be Barack Obama’s running mate. She playfully chided reporters who staked out her public events to talk to her about the veepstakes.
Faith Forum: Do developed countries need missionaries?
August 23, 2008 in print edition on D1
Developed countries? Missionaries? The old stereotypes don’t apply. Didn’t like the American Episcopal Church’s stand on gay clergy? African bishops were happy to provide spiritual counsel and support. Battered by Katrina? Taiwanese Buddhists showed up to help. Confused by what spiritual path to follow?
Commentary: Time to open Olympics to all ages
August 23, 2008 in print edition on C2
Being a young gymnast wasn’t always a bad thing. Nadia Comaneci, after all, was just 14 when she scored a perfect 10 to win gold in Montreal. The philosophy of the time was old enough to vault, old enough to compete.
News control
As the suspense over vice-presidential running mates grew this week, the news coverage got a little silly.
August 23, 2008 in print edition on B6
Sen. Barack Obama sure knows how to frustrate the news media. Whether or not that’s a good strategy as he heads into the Democratic National Convention next week is open to debate.
Pump patrol
August 23, 2008 in print edition on B1
The Journal-World found gas prices as low as $3.52 at several locations.
Georgia LB out for year
August 23, 2008 in print edition on C2
Georgia freshman Charles White will miss the season due to an Achilles’ tendon injury that is cutting into the Bulldogs’ depth at linebacker.
Russian military pulls forces out of key Georgian areas
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A2
Columns of hulking, smoke-belching Russian tanks rolled out of key positions deep inside Georgia on Friday as Moscow declared it had pulled its forces out following the worst confrontation between the Kremlin and the West since the Soviet collapse. But the United States, France and Britain protested the withdrawal was not complete.
Old Home Town - 40 years ago
August 23, 2008 in print edition on B6
Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church, 901 Vt., voted to oppose the church’s inclusion in a proposed city parking lot improvement in the 900 block of Vermont.
Demolition derbies take hit from high scrap prices
August 23, 2008 in print edition on A8
Mud is flying, smoke and steam are rising, and the deafening roar of V-8 engines all but drowns out 5-year-old Shelby Scott’s screams.