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Archive for Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Also from December 30

Audio clips
Births
Obituaries
On the street
Photos
Photo galleries
KU vs. Albany
Podcasts
Polls
Now that KU routed Albany, how do you feel about Saturday's game against No. 14 Tennessee at Allen Fieldhouse?

Poll results

Response Percent
Win by fewer than 15
 
62%
Lose by fewer than 15
 
29%
Win by 15 or more
 
3%
Lose by more than 15
 
3%
Total 811
Who was KU's MVP of the first half against Albany?

Poll results

Response Percent
Cole Aldrich
 
49%
Tyrel Reed
 
32%
Travis Releford
 
15%
Other
 
3%
Total 65
Will you make a New Year's resolution for 2009?

Poll results

Response Percent
No.
 
51%
Yes.
 
48%
Total 254
Videos

Lead stories

12:00 a.m.
Lawrence resident Dorothy McGregor, 90, exercises five days a week for a hour each day. When the weather prevents her from getting out to the gym, she does most of her workout at home. She’s in shipshape: Retired teacher keeping mind, body active at 90
December 29, 2008
Dorothy McGregor arrives at Lawrence Athletic Club on Mesa Way at 5:30 a.m., five days a week. “Now that I’m getting a little older I sometimes start later — about 5:45 a.m.,” she says with a mischievous look in her eyes.
6:00 a.m.
Amarr Garage Door Group, a major employer in Lawrence, is one of many businesses that announced employee layoffs in 2008, and followed up with another much smaller round of layoffs Thursday. Job creation No. 1 concern on business front in ’09
December 30, 2008 in print edition on 1A
After enduring a year in which the biggest business victory came thanks to a coach named Bill and a clutch shooter named Mario, leaders on the community’s economic-development team are eager to get back into the game when it comes to jobs, investment and — that’s right — recruiting.
10:00 a.m.
Lawrence residents Alexandra Wendt, 14, and Aiden Wendt, 11, shop for their New Year’s Eve party supplies Monday at Party America, 1441 W. 23rd St. Caution urged as revelers get into New Year’s mode
December 30, 2008 in print edition on 1A
Bars, restaurants and revelers are gearing up to ring in 2009. But, before you tip your glass and welcome in the new year, health professionals remind revelers to be safe. “People underestimate the effects of even one drink of alcohol,” said Dr. Marc Scarbrough, a hospitalist at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. “People need to remember that even one drink can impair them and lead to a dangerous situation.”
2:00 p.m.
Honor guard Jim Thornton, a firefighter at Station No. 5, left, stands at attention next to a photograph of former Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Chief James McSwain, during a memorial service for McSwain Tuesday at Mustard Seed Church. McSwain died Thursday, Dec. 25. Community pays tribute to late fire chief Jim McSwain
December 30, 2008 in print edition on 1A
Family, friends, colleagues and community leaders gathered on Tuesday to pay a final tribute to Jim McSwain, just three years after he retired as Lawrence’s longtime fire chief.
6:00 p.m.
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius talks with reporters about energy issues, the state's ties with the new president, and gambling, among other issues she wants to tackle in 2009. Sebelius discusses upcoming legislative session which includes an energy plan
December 30, 2008 in print edition on 1A
In a wide-ranging interview before the Jan. 12 start of the legislative session, Sebelius said she hopes she doesn’t see a repeat of the 2008 legislative session when so much legislation and time was tied to the proposal to build two coal-burning power plants in southwest Kansas.
8:00 p.m.
KU's Markieff Morris dunks during warmups before taking on Albany Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008 at Allen Fieldhouse. Jayhawks destroy Albany, 79-43
December 30, 2008
Cole Aldrich scored 20 points, grabbed six boards and blocked three shots, Tyrel Reed added 12 points off 3-of-5 shooting from three-point land and Kansas shredded Albany, 79-43, on Tuesday night at Allen Fieldhouse.

All stories

Area fishing lake set to reopen this weekend
December 30, 2008
After being closed nearly two years ago, Douglas County State Fishing Lake will reopen this Saturday.
Jayhawks destroy Albany, 79-43
December 30, 2008
Cole Aldrich scored 20 points, grabbed six boards and blocked three shots, Tyrel Reed added 12 points off 3-of-5 shooting from three-point land and Kansas shredded Albany, 79-43, on Tuesday night at Allen Fieldhouse.
A. Drue Jennings named chairman of search committee to find KU chancellor
04:00 p.m., December 30, 2008 Updated 05:56 p.m. in print edition on A3
A. Drue Jennings has been named the chairman of the search committee to find the next chancellor of Kansas University.
Ill. governor names former attorney general to Obama’s Senate seat
02:20 p.m., December 30, 2008 Updated 03:06 p.m. in print edition on A2
A defiant Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday named a black political trailblazer to Barack Obama’s Senate seat, a surprise move that put the governor’s opponents in the uncomfortable position of trying to block his choice from becoming the Senate’s only black member.
Community pays tribute to late fire chief Jim McSwain
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A1
Family, friends, colleagues and community leaders gathered on Tuesday to pay a final tribute to Jim McSwain, just three years after he retired as Lawrence’s longtime fire chief.
Sebelius discusses upcoming legislative session which includes an energy plan
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A1
In a wide-ranging interview before the Jan. 12 start of the legislative session, Sebelius said she hopes she doesn’t see a repeat of the 2008 legislative session when so much legislation and time was tied to the proposal to build two coal-burning power plants in southwest Kansas.
Asphalt work under way at Kansas Turnpike’s East Lawrence interchange
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A4
Asphalt work began Monday morning, Dec. 29, on the westbound replacement ramp at exit 204.
Police to beef up patrol on New Year’s Eve
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A3
More police officers than usual will be on the streets of Lawrence as people celebrate, said Sgt. Bill Cory, police spokesman. No saturation patrols are planned, but officers will be focusing on alcohol violations, he said
Basketball team brings gifts to hospital patients, big and small
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A3
They came bearing shirts, autographed posters and an array of other gifts for patients at Lawrence Memorial Hospital on Monday. The Kansas University women’s basketball team has been participating in the holiday tradition for 16 years. Head coach Bonnie Henrickson said her team appreciated the opportunity to visit with patients.
Lawyer: Impeachment not justified for gov.
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A2
Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s lawyer said Monday that a vague array of charges and evidence doesn’t merit removing the governor from office, and he urged a House committee not to recommend impeachment.Attorney Ed Genson complained bitterly that lawmakers were considering snippets of tape-recorded conversations that are quoted in a criminal complaint against the Democratic governor.
Kid-friendly trends for 2009
December 30, 2008 in print edition on C1
Here are some tips for what will be big with kids in the year ahead.
Set rules to keep kids safe online
December 30, 2008 in print edition on C1
Did you give your kid a gadget this year? Monica Vila, founder of TheOnlineMom.com, suggests setting these rules for kids.
Job creation No. 1 concern on business front in ’09
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A1
After enduring a year in which the biggest business victory came thanks to a coach named Bill and a clutch shooter named Mario, leaders on the community’s economic-development team are eager to get back into the game when it comes to jobs, investment and — that’s right — recruiting.
Somali president quits amid international pressure
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A8
Somalia’s president resigned Monday after a four-year term in which his Western-backed government failed to extend its power throughout a country crippled by infighting and a strengthening Islamic insurgency.
Artistic transition: LHS senior hoping to turn art hobby into career
December 30, 2008 in print edition on C1
Amelia Magerl grew up around art, attending preschool at the Lawrence Arts Center. “Art was always my favorite class in elementary school,” she says. “And then when I got into junior high and high school I thought, ‘Oh, I can actually consider this as a career.’”
Don’t forget Mason
December 30, 2008 in print edition on B1
Although hardly the focal point of the Insight Bowl, the subtle ironies involving Glen Mason shouldn’t be ignored.
Police: 7 bodies recovered in Canada avalanches; 1 missing
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A2
Search teams recovered the bodies of seven snowmobilers Monday, a day after they were swept away by avalanches in western Canada’s backcountry, police said. An eighth man was missing and believed dead.
Firefighters rescue boy who fell through ice
December 30, 2008 in print edition on B8
Topeka firefighters rescued a 10-year-old boy who fell through the ice on Central Park pond while trying to retrieve a radio-controlled toy. Authorities said the boy was in the icy waters for around 15 minutes late Sunday afternoon, about 100 feet from shore. The child appeared to have been suffering from hypothermia and facial cuts that he may have received when he was pulled over the ice to the pond’s bank.
Dugan Arnett’s KU football notebook
December 30, 2008 in print edition on B3
Kansas junior Jake Sharp, an honorable mention all-Big 12 running back this season, missed Monday’s practice with the flu and is currently being treated by members of the team’s medical staff.
Israel’s bombing ravages Gaza Strip
3-day strike has killed civilians, caused outages and food crisis
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A1
Israel’s three-day aerial bombardment of the Gaza Strip has killed dozens of civilians, along with Hamas fighters, and has paralyzed life in a territory already battered by blackouts and supply shortages during 18 months of border closures.
Outgoing treasurer’s last day is Friday
December 30, 2008 in print edition on B8
A spokeswoman says Lynn Jenkins’ last day as state treasurer is Friday. Jenkins, a Republican, is stepping down because in November, she won the seat for the 2nd Congressional District of eastern Kansas.Spokeswoman Mary Geiger said Jenkins would be sworn in Tuesday as a member of Congress.
Scientists monitor unusual quakes
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A6
Yellowstone National Park was jostled by a host of small earthquakes for a third straight day Monday, and scientists watched closely to see whether the more than 250 tremors were a sign of something bigger to come.
Resolve to get control of credit cards
December 30, 2008 in print edition on B7
The new year is a good time to begin new practices, especially concerning money management. As we enter 2009, it’s especially important to begin handling your credit card differently, because in a year and a half the credit card industry must change the way it treats you. And trust me, there will be little room for you to make a mistake in how you use such credit because the industry wasn’t happy about the forced changes.
Explosive potential
Minnesota prepares to face KU’s high-powered offense
December 30, 2008 in print edition on B1
After nearly a month to prepare for his team’s Insight Bowl matchup with Kansas University on Wednesday — after endless hours of game-planning and pouring over film — Minnesota coach Tim Brewster has reached the following conclusion about the Jayhawks.
Lawrence native to fly over Insight Bowl
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A3
Flyovers are a specialty for Lt. Col. Garth Terlizzi Jr. A Lawrence native, Terlizzi has piloted F-16 fighters over football games, NASCAR events and even baseball games. So serving as the lead pilot during Wednesday afternoon’s flyover at the Insight Bowl will be a “milk run” — aerospeak for routine — for Terlizzi. With one exception.
Don’t let a recession prompt a psychological depression
December 30, 2008 in print edition on C1
As we age, our sense of the passage of time begins to accelerate. In our high school days time plodded along as if stuck in some cosmic tar pit. As adults we increasingly found ourselves reflexively muttering an old cliché we’d previously found puzzling and quaint — where has the time gone?
Pro-Thaksin protesters still block Parliament
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A2
Thailand’s government was forced to change the venue of its key policy speech today as thousands of demonstrators loyal to exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra surrounded Parliament, extending months of political turmoil.
Dad charged after girl dies on cold walk
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A6
An Idaho man has been charged with second-degree murder after his 11-year-old daughter died walking in the snow after their vehicle got stuck. Fifty-five-year-old Robert Aragon of Jerome banged his head on the table Monday in court.
Religious order of nuns leaving Paola
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A4
A Roman Catholic women’s order that has been in eastern Kansas for 113 years plans to leave next year and merge with another Ursuline order in Kentucky. The Ursuline sisters plan to sell their grand convent in Paola — a local landmark — and begin moving in May.
Old Home Town - 100 years ago
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A7
From the Lawrence Daily World for Dec. 30, 1908: Lawrence merchants have stood by their early shopping movement and not one of them has advertised price cuts on holiday goods so far. One of the things which operated against early buying is the hope of lesser prices later on.
Family believes missing woman jumped ship
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A6
The family of a missing cruise ship passenger said Monday that they suspect the woman “chose an unfortunate ending to her life” and jumped from a cruise ship balcony into the waters off Mexico’s coast on Christmas night.
U.S. population up 2.7 million this year
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A2
My, how the country has grown. The United States will enter 2009 with 305,529,237 residents, the Census Bureau estimated on Monday. That’s an increase of 2,743,429 this year. The bureau says that in January, one birth is expected to occur every eight seconds in the United States and one death every 12 seconds.
Lost love letters find way home
December 30, 2008 in print edition on B8
Anxious eyes watched Elroy McDowell as the 94-year-old woman opened the box on Christmas Eve. It wasn’t a normal present, this bundle of love letters she found inside. Lost in the 1940s, the brittle papers sent between McDowell and her now-deceased husband were lugged around the country by a stranger for more than 30 years. Now, they were home.
Audit alarm
Results of a recently released legislative audit suggest that lawmakers need to clarify how some state school funds can be used.
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A7
A legislative audit of how school districts across the state are using money designated to benefit “at risk” students raises some serious questions. Not only does it feed the underlying assumption of many state legislators that districts aren’t making the best use of their money, but it also raises some issues of basic fairness.
Tigers squeak out OT victory
Missouri rallies to win, 30-23
December 30, 2008 in print edition on B4
Missouri knocks off Northwestern in overtime to win the Alamo Bowl.
Five artists and a would-be senator at the Kennedy Center
December 30, 2008 in print edition on B6
For the first time in 30 years, the host of the “Kennedy Center Honors” (8 p.m., CBS) may receive more attention than the distinguished recipients. This year’s festivities were held and taped last Dec. 7. Since then, host Caroline Kennedy has announced that she wants to be considered a candidate to be appointed to fill the New York Senate seat that will become empty upon Sen. Hillary Clinton’s confirmation as Secretary of State.
War, not peace, marks Israeli leader’s exit
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A7
Israel’s new battle with Hamas in Gaza means that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will be remembered for fighting two bloody and wasteful mini-wars in less than three years in power. The first one, in Lebanon during the summer of 2006, punished but failed to defeat or even permanently injure Hezbollah, which is politically and militarily stronger today than it was before Olmert took office.
Branson wants victims repaid
D.A. working to start compensation board for property crimes
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A3
Douglas County’s top prosecutor is looking to take from the illicit haves and give back to their victimized have-nots. Charles Branson, the county’s district attorney, is working on plans to establish a Property Crimes Compensation Board, an operation that would be financed by people who pay to receive diversions instead of jail time.
On the record
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A4
A Lawrence police officer tackled a burglary suspect who tried to run away Monday night, and the officer suffered a blow to the face during the struggle, said Sgt. Damon Thomas, a Lawrence police spokesman.
Old Home Town - 40 years ago
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A7
“I’d rather be a dull winner than an exciting loser,” said Kansas football coach Pepper Rodgers as his Jayhawks prepared to meet favored Penn State in the New Year’s Day Orange Bowl game in Miami. Joe Paterno was the Penn State coach.
Gary Bedore’s KU basketball notebook
December 30, 2008 in print edition on B3
KU junior Mario Little, who suffered a broken bone in his left, non-shooting hand two weeks ago, practiced without contact Monday.
Military religion suit expanded
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A2
A newly expanded federal lawsuit alleged Monday that the military doesn’t take complaints of religious discrimination seriously enough and allows personnel to try to convert Muslims in Iraq and Afghanistan to Christianity.
Caution urged as revelers get into New Year’s mode
Experts emphasize dangers of alcohol
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A1
Bars, restaurants and revelers are gearing up to ring in 2009. But, before you tip your glass and welcome in the new year, health professionals remind revelers to be safe. “People underestimate the effects of even one drink of alcohol,” said Dr. Marc Scarbrough, a hospitalist at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. “People need to remember that even one drink can impair them and lead to a dangerous situation.”
Underground explosion rocks downtown
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A6
Crews were waiting for an area to cool off under the streets of downtown Savannah before they could start determining what caused an electrical explosion Monday that blew off manhole covers and knocked out power for hours to many stores, restaurants and homes.
Old Home Town - 25 years ago
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A7
Due to continued nagging payroll glitches involving nearly 300 faculty and staff, state officials decided to temporarily withdraw Kansas University employees from the state’s computerized payroll system.
Jayhawks searching for identity
December 30, 2008 in print edition on B1
Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self has realistic expectations for his unranked, 8-3 Jayhawks entering tonight’s game against Albany, and the rest of semester break.
Firebirds to hold holiday clinic
December 30, 2008 in print edition on B3
The Free State boys basketball coaches and former players will host the Firebird Holiday Basketball Clinic from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday at Free State High.
Class project aids Sprint research
Bonner Springs students give cell phones a workout
December 30, 2008 in print edition on B7
Students from Bonner Springs High School have paired up with one of the largest corporations in the Kansas City area for a special project. Through a connection with a teacher at the high school, members of a BSHS marketing class joined Sprint in a research and data collection project.
Hard to hear at holiday parties? Blame your brain
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A1
It’s almost New Year’s Eve, a time for plunging into boisterous crowds bathed in loud music. And for some of us, that means turning to an old friend and hearing things like this: “Did you know (BOOM-da-da-BOOM) went over (Bob! You look wonder-) so she said (clink-clink) and then I (Here, have another one) what would you do?”
Dairies to compensate sickened babies
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A2
The companies whose tainted milk products sickened nearly 300,000 children and were blamed in the deaths of six will likely pay $160 million in compensation to victims’ families, a state-run newspaper said today.
We should let go of litmus tests
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A7
President-elect Barack Obama is taking a lot of heat for selecting the Rev. Rick Warren, an ardent opponent of abortion rights and same-sex marriage, to give the inaugural invocation next month. Obama differs with the evangelical preacher on abortion and many other social issues, but he did not let those differences prevent him from extending the invitation. It was a courageous decision. It was also the correct one.
City selling downtown parking passes
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A4
The city once again is selling annual passes that will allow motorists to park in several downtown parking lots at reduced rates. The parking passes allow motorists to park in long-term parking lots and at 10-hour parking meters. An annual pass is sold for $192, while quarterly passes are available for $50.
American Girl of 2009 breaks into the movies
December 30, 2008 in print edition on C2
The American Girl of 2009 is a newbie at school, lives in an extended-family household and loves to swim and work on crafts. And she’s learning to stand up to a bully.
Jazz great Freddie Hubbard dead at 70
December 30, 2008 in print edition on B6
Freddie Hubbard, the Grammy-winning jazz musician whose style influenced a generation of trumpet players and who collaborated with such greats as Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins, died Monday, a month after suffering a heart attack. He was 70.
Postal Service lifts curtain on next year’s stamps
December 30, 2008 in print edition on C8
Lucy and Ethel lose their struggle with a chocolate assembly line. Joe Friday demands “just the facts” with a penetrating gaze. A secret word brings Groucho a visit from a duck. Folks who grew up as television came of age will delight in a 20-stamp set included in the Postal Service’s plans for 2009 recalling early memories of the medium.
Japanese ‘tenant’ leaves airport
December 30, 2008 in print edition on C8
Easy come, easy go. A Japanese man who had been living in Terminal 1 of the Benito Juarez International Airport since Sept. 2 — for no apparent reason — left under equally mysterious circumstances. Authorities searched the terminal for Hiroshi Nohara on Monday but he was nowhere to be found, said an airport official who was not allowed to be quoted by name.
Flooding latest weather threat in Midwest
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A2
Utilities in Michigan scrambled Monday to restore power knocked out by a gusty weekend storm as rain and melting snow caused flooding there and in other parts of the Midwest. Power was restored to about 80 percent of the 413,000 Michigan homes and businesses that lost service, according to the state’s utilities. Some could remain without power until Wednesday because of Sunday’s storm, which carried winds gusting more than 60 mph.
Hospitals testing ways to prevent lymphedema after breast cancer
December 30, 2008 in print edition on C8
Hospitals in about a dozen states are testing whether some simple steps, such as arm-strengthening exercises, could reduce the risk of one of breast cancer’s troubling legacies — the painful and sometimes severe arm swelling called lymphedema.
Palin’s daughter gives birth
December 30, 2008 in print edition on B6
The teenage daughter of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, whose quest for the vice presidency began to go downhill the day she announced the pregnancy, has given birth to a son, a magazine reported Monday.Bristol Palin, 18, gave birth to Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston on Saturday, People magazine reported online.
Pump patrol
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A3
The Journal-World found gas prices as low as $1.37 at Presto, 602 W. Ninth St.
Horoscopes
December 30, 2008 in print edition on B6
This year more than any year, how you deal with key people reflects how secure you are within. Sometimes you might have a sense that you are giving everything away, but in reality that isn’t so. If you are single, you might want to conjure up someone who likes you for who you are, not what you first seem like or what you have.
Fallout begins after dismal holiday season
December 30, 2008 in print edition on B7
The fallout from the horrific holiday season for retailers has begun, with the operator of an online toy seller, etoys.com, filing for bankruptcy protection and more stores are expected to do the same — meaning more empty storefronts and fewer brands on store shelves.
Coaching axe falls hard
Browns, Jets, Lions dismiss football coaches
December 30, 2008 in print edition on B2
Three NFL coaches lost their jobs on Monday, as pro football’s offseason began with a bang.
Ex-Bush aides call Katrina ‘nail in coffin’
December 30, 2008 in print edition on A2
Hurricane Katrina not only pulverized the Gulf Coast in 2005, it knocked the bully pulpit out from under President George W. Bush, according to two former advisers who spoke candidly about the political impact of the government’s poor handling of the natural disaster.