Archive for Saturday, May 3, 2008

Also from May 3

Audio clips
Births
Couples
Obituaries
On the street
Photos
Photo galleries
People & Places Sgt. Matt Lammers
Polls

Of the Jayhawks selected in last weekend's NFL Draft, who will have the most successful NFL career?

Response Percent
Aqib Talib - Tampa Bay
 
55%
Anthony Collins - Cincinnati
 
18%
Derek Fine - Buffalo
 
14%
Marcus Henry - NY Jets
 
11%
Total 692
Videos

Lead stories

6:00 a.m.
Eudora United Methodist Church Pastor Michael Tomson-DeGreeff and his congregation are making the transition to a new church site along Kansas Highway 10. Crossroads
May 2, 2008 in print edition on 1D
With almost a decade of fundraising behind them, the members of the Eudora United Methodist Church were lagging. They’d spent all that time trying to make their new church along Kansas Highway 10 a reality, yet they had not broken ground, and they didn’t have all the needed money. The new church seemed another 10 years away.
9:00 a.m.
After receiving her last radiation treatment last month at St. Luke’s Hospital, Rep. Marti Crow, D-Leavenworth, center, gets instructions from a nurse about when to return for a follow-up examination. Crow has been battling breast cancer for the last 10 months and had a mastectomy in February. Cancer treatments don’t slow lawmaker
May 3, 2008 in print edition on 1A
It’s 7:30 a.m., and Rep. Marti Crow, D-Leavenworth, makes her way into the State Capitol in Topeka. By now, the Kansas Legislature has been in session for four months. She takes her place as the agenda chairwoman for the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives and later heads over to the education committee meeting.
1:00 p.m.
Historian and Baker University professor Brenda Day, left, gives a tour of the Black Jack Battlefield on Friday to Alice Keesey Mecoy, of Allen, Texas, a great-great-great-granddaughter of John Brown. Mecoy also plans to attend a showing of “John Brown” at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City. John Brown’s kin visits Kansas
May 3, 2008 in print edition on 1B
Alice Keesey Mecoy was 16 when a historian told her she was a descendant of radical abolitionist John Brown. She reacted the same way many people do.
4:00 p.m.
K.C. Pump N Run’s Justin Clark, right, draws a foul against Cheyenne Pump N Run Elite. The teams were part of the Jayhawk Invitational that opened Friday at Allen Fieldhouse. Rivals eyeing rematch at Invite
May 3, 2008 in print edition on 1C
A rivalry is brewing in the AAU basketball ranks, and the Jayhawk Invitational will be ground zero this weekend for that potential storm. K.C. Pump N Run is once again the favorite to win the Jayhawk Invite after winning it the last three years. But last year’s runner-up, Howard Pulley Black, is back, and the players have just one thing — and one team — on their minds.
9:00 p.m.
Allison Dessert warms up while son Peter, 2, watches from the comfort of his stroller early Monday in Watson Park. She and other mothers gather for Stroller Burn, a 55-minute workout in which children can be included. Power stroll
May 4, 2008 in print edition on 1D
Getting fit is often a top priority on a new mother’s to-do list, but it’s not quite as high as bonding time with her children.

All stories

Bill prompted by Tonganoxie teen’s death has been approved
May 3, 2008
The Legislature has approved a bill prompted by the death of Amanda Bixby, who died in a 2007 traffic accident near Basehor.
Firebirds 2nd, Lions 6th at league swim meet
May 3, 2008
Lawrence's two high school girls swimming teams placed in the top half of the Sunflower League swimming and diving meet Saturday at the Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center.
KU baseball wins second straight against Oklahoma
Jayhawks’ bats stay hot
May 3, 2008
Kansas jumped to seventh place in the Big 12 standings with a 13-10 baseball victory over Oklahoma.
Coal-plant proposal resurfaces
May 3, 2008
Supporters of two 700-megawatt coal-fired plants will try again to get the project approved.
Review: ‘Movin’ Out’ combines brilliance, confusion
May 3, 2008 in print edition on D8
Billy Joel is one of the all-time great storytellers in American music, so it’s only natural his work would provide the backdrop for a dance extravaganza that took Broadway by storm in 2002. Twyla Tharp’s interpretation of more than 25 of Joel’s songs, “Movin’ Out,” won a Tony Award in 2003, and a tour of it hit the Lied Center Thursday night.
Ralph Lauren Outfitting U.S. Olympic team
May 3, 2008 in print edition on D1
The U.S. Olympic Team’s new uniforms will be designed to mark them not only as American athletes in Beijing this summer, but also as diplomats of sorts.
Faith Forum: Should gender matter when selecting a pastor for your church?
May 3, 2008 in print edition on D1
This is a question that is not easy to answer. While some denominations welcome both men and women into the ordained ministry, there are other denominations that do not allow women to be pastors.
Seeing poverty not same as solving
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B7
John McCain has been on the Republican equivalent of a Bed-Stuy tour. Bedford-Stuyvesant was once a frequent campaign stop for Democratic candidates who stood in front of destroyed or rundown buildings amid some of the worst poverty in New York City, promising to fix the place with more government spending.
Duty
Is it reasonable to train, at great cost, a football wannabe to be a recruiter for the Army?
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B6
Duty, honor, country. That’s the backbone philosophy for the cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. — short, definitive, clear and crisp. For decades, it has been honored.
Inequality of pay gap keeps on giving
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B6
By now the Tale of Lilly Ledbetter is beginning to sound like the Perils of Pauline or the Pre-Feminist Follies. At 70 years old, she’s the star of a long-running drama about how hard we have to run to keep from slipping backward.
Old Home Town - 25 years ago
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B6
Administrators and staff members of the Lawrence school district projected the concept and need for a districtwide instructional materials center to the board. Although no location or specific design for a new or remodeled building was recommended, the administration advised financing the project through a capital outlay fund.
Old Home Town - 40 years ago
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B6
Five noted Kansas University alumni were named to receive the citation for distinguished service at spring commencement: Dr. J. Mark Hiebert, Martha Peterson, Clyde M. Reed, Mrs. Kenneth A. Spencer and Dick Williams.
Old Home Town - 100 years ago
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B6
From the Lawrence Daily World for May 3, 1908: There appears to be no reason why the city of Baldwin should not have extensive street improvements nor why Lawrence should not have more and better sidewalks.
Facts are vital
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B6
To the editor: The article “GOP slams Congress over budget vote” on April 28 sets the stage for how voters can be manipulated as campaigns become intense.
OPEC changes
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B6
To the editor: In times past, OPEC, especially Saudi Arabia, has been willing to increase oil output to accommodate the United States.
Keep it here
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B6
To the editor: Dateline: Kansas City, Mo. “Kaun, others honored” Journal-World, May 1, 2008. What's the matter with Lawrence?
Lawrence resident to lead auctioneers
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B4
Hannes Combest is leaving Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Lawrence, for the top job at the National Auctioneers Association in Overland Park.
‘The Right Start’ set for Monday
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B4
Kansas University’s Small Business Development Center will offer another session of “The Right Start,” the latest in an ongoing seminar series for startups, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday at the center, 734 Vt., Suite 104.
‘Debt Self Defense’ offered Wednesday
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B4
“Debt Self Defense,” a seminar designed to help people make the most of their personal finances, will be conducted from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the United Way building, 2518 Ridge Court.
TherapyWorks switches offices
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B4
TherapyWorks reopens today at 1311 Wakarusa Drive, after moving Friday from its space at 1112 W. Sixth St.
Stock indexes end week with gains
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B4
U.S. stocks on Friday wavered mostly higher to end with weekly gains after a day of choppy trade, as investors mostly pulled the plug on an early rally that had been sparked by fewer job losses than expected and central bank liquidity moves.
Irrigation systems targeted for copper
Skyrocketing price of metal leaves farms vulnerable to thieves
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B8
A recent string of copper thefts has some southwestern Kansas farmers worrying about their property and reconsidering how to protect it.
Olympic flame’s Everest ascent grand but secret
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A8
Chinese mountaineers made final preparations Wednesday to take the Olympic flame up Mount Everest in a grand but contentious feat that is being accorded an unusual mixture of fanfare and secrecy.
Agreement reached on incentives for Iran
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A4
World powers agreed Friday to try again to lure Iran to the nuclear bargaining table with a repackaged set of carrots to accompany the stick of U.N. sanctions.
Zimbabwe opposition willing to share power
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A4
Zimbabwe’s opposition said Friday it was willing to share power with the ruling party, but not with longtime President Robert Mugabe.
Labour mayor ousted in London
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A4
A Conservative lawmaker with a knack for offensive remarks ousted the left-wing mayor of London in an upset that capped the ruling Labour Party’s worst local election showing in four decades.
Indiana a state of political mystery
May 3, 2008 in print edition on E7
The last time Karen Rhodes saw a presidential candidate come through town, it was Harry Truman giving ‘em hell from the back of his train on a 1948 whistle-stop tour.
McCain clarifies remark about oil, Iraq war
May 3, 2008 in print edition on E7
Republican John McCain was forced to clarify his comments Friday suggesting the Iraq war involved U.S. reliance on foreign oil. He said he was talking about the first Gulf War and not the current conflict.
Stutterer finds his voice in speech competitions
May 3, 2008 in print edition on E8
It’s a point that bears repeating. Silencing a stutter is a matter of pitting mind over mouth, according to Marcus Hill.
Austrian father described as a shrewd liar, obsessive tyrant
May 3, 2008 in print edition on E8
Casual acquaintances knew Josef Fritzl as a jovial fellow who liked to drink beer and enjoyed a bawdy joke.
Some colleges offer coed dorm rooms
May 3, 2008 in print edition on E8
Erik Youngdahl and Michelle Garcia share a dorm room at Connecticut’s Wesleyan University. But they say there’s no funny business going on. Really. They mean it.
Simplify the ring-shopping experience
May 3, 2008 in print edition on D5
So you’ve got the ring. A dazzling, shiny engagement ring. Your next step: picking out the perfect wedding band to complement that ring.
Scouting news
May 3, 2008 in print edition on D3
Eudora Boy Scout Troop 64 participated in the 21st annual Scouting For Food drive April 19 in Eudora, along with Cub Scout Pack 3064, Eudora Girl Scouts, Eudora 4-H Club members and students from the Eudora High School government class.
Around and about
May 3, 2008 in print edition on D3
Jennifer Beasley, Lawrence, was named to the dean’s list for the 2007 fall semester at the University of Dayton in Ohio. To be named to the dean’s list a student must achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
Club news
May 3, 2008 in print edition on D3
University Bridge Club announces results of its April 26 meeting. Hosts were Ruth Harwood, Bebe Huxtable, Willie Stoltenberg and Isabelle Schaake.
4-H and FCE news
May 3, 2008 in print edition on D3
The 55th Annual Douglas County Spring Beef Show was April 26 in the Community Building at the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds. It was sponsored by the Douglas County Livestock Association and the Kansas State Research and Extension Service, Douglas County. Karl Harborth, Erie, served as the official judge and worked his way through 99 beef cattle.
Lawsuits question Kline’s handling of documents
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B5
An investigator said he kept edited records from abortion clinics in a Rubbermaid container in his dining room for several weeks. Others, according to testimony, stored them briefly in cars and homes and copied them at a Kinko’s in downtown Topeka.
Civil War cannonball kills Virginia relic collector
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A3
Like many boys in the South, Sam White got hooked on the Civil War early, digging up rusting bullets and military buttons in the battle-scarred earth of his hometown.
Warrant dropped for man named in raid
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A3
An arrest warrant has been dropped for a man thought to be the husband of a teenage girl whose report of abuse triggered a raid on a polygamous sect’s Texas compound, authorities said Friday.
Judge: Corps of Engineers can be sued
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A3
The Army Corps of Engineers can be held liable for flood damage caused by a “hurricane highway,” a navigation channel that is believed to have funneled Hurricane Katrina’s storm surge into the city, a federal judge ruled Friday.
Alcohol sales ban to remain after recount
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A3
A hand recount in Tisbury, Mass., shows residents aren’t as evenly divided about alcohol sales as election officials initially thought.
Governor files for divorce
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A3
Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons filed Friday for a divorce from his wife, Dawn, and asked for a court order to determine whether the governor or first lady will live at the governor’s mansion.
Redgrave, Dench dominate projects
May 3, 2008 in print edition on D7
According to conventional wisdom, the business of show throws away good actresses as soon as they hit a certain age. But certain performers have defied this trend and continue to work and find acclaim. At least two of them (Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench) are on display this weekend.
Horoscopes
May 3, 2008 in print edition on D7
Much goes on behind the scenes this year. You also might often choose not to make a full disclosure in different situations. Stay open to the mysterious. If you are single, someone quite unique strolls into your life. If you are attached, share more of your secret self with your sweetie.
People in the news
May 3, 2008 in print edition on D7
• Former Sen. Brooke mum on reported affair • Lindsay Lohan mugshot used in ad • Dwyane Wade denies Star Jones rumors • Emilio intoxicated at time of crash • Reports: Mariah Carey marries actor Cannon • Washington tells kids science is important
On the record
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B2
A 51-year-old Lawrence man reported three car burglaries and thefts Thursday that all occurred between 8 p.m. Wednesday and 6:50 a.m. Thursday in the 600 block of North Second Street. He reported a 1999 Toyota Camry was criminally damaged. Estimated loss is $1,200.
Chief: Heroin making its way to rural Kansas
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B2
When police in Mulvane, Kan., decided to crack down on drug dealers in their small south-central Kansas town, they expected to find marijuana, cocaine and some prescription medicine. What they didn’t expect was heroin — from a high school student.
Employers cut fewer jobs in April; jobless rate falls
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A2
Employers cut far fewer jobs in April than in recent months and the unemployment rate dropped to 5 percent, a better-than-expected showing that nonetheless reveals strains in the nation’s labor market.
Robot lizards jump into research
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A2
One gray squirrel, its bushy tail twitching, barked a warning as another scrounged for food nearby. It was an ordinary spring day at Hampshire College, except that the rodent issuing the warning was powered by amps, not acorns.
Motorcycle bomb at mosque kills 18
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A2
A bomb rigged to motorcycle blew up amid a crowd of worshippers leaving Friday prayers at a mosque in a rebel stronghold of northern Yemen, killing at least 18 people and wounding about four dozen, officials said.
Bush sends Congress details of war request
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A2
President Bush sent lawmakers a $70 billion request Friday to fund U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan into next spring, which would give the next president breathing room to make his or her own war policy.
Attorney general admits affair
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A2
Ohio’s attorney general admitted an extramarital affair with an employee Friday, soon after three of his aides were fired or forced out after an investigation found evidence of sexual harassment and other misconduct.
Fund for bridge victims approved
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A2
Nine months after the collapse of the Interstate 35W bridge, a special $38 million state fund is being created to help compensate the victims of the Aug. 1 disaster.
Study: High-fat diet can reduce seizures
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A2
The first clinical trial of a ketogenic diet — high in fats and low in carbohydrates and protein — to treat epilepsy has shown that it sharply curtails seizures and is an effective tool for managing children who are resistant to anti-epilepsy drugs.
Iraq’s Shiite clerics deeply divided
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A2
Shiite clerics offered sharply different visions Friday in the showdown between government forces and Shiite militias — one predicting that armed groups will be crushed in Baghdad and another calling for the prime minister to be prosecuted for crimes against his people.
Baker graduation ceremonies scheduled
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B3
Baker University’s commencement ceremonies are May 10 and 18 at the Collins Center on the Baldwin City campus. Nearly 800 undergraduate, graduate and nursing students will be honored.
Commentary: Coaching’s call too strong for Brown
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C2
He has had the itch for some time now. That is why Larry Brown planted himself at Jay Wright’s Villanova practices day after day after day, why Brown agreed to serve in some nebulous role with the 76ers for the last two years, why he went to the Final Four a few weeks ago.
Police interview Colts WR
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C2
Indianapolis Colts receiver Marvin Harrison was interviewed by police about a North Philadelphia shooting this week.
LSU dismisses quarterback
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C2
LSU quarterback Ryan Perrilloux, who had legal and disciplinary problems throughout his college career, was kicked off the team.
Report: Bryant wins MVP
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C2
Kobe Bryant has won the NBA’s MVP award for the first time, the Los Angeles Times reported on its Web site Friday night, citing anonymous sources familiar with the outcome of voting by media members.
Huggins signs 11-year deal
WVU coach gets $1.5 million per season
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C2
West Virginia basketball coach Bob Huggins signed an 11-year contract with the school on Friday that will keep him at his alma mater until he’s 65.
American League Roundup: Marcum, Stewart lift Jays
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C4
Shaun Marcum matched Mark Buehrle pitch for pitch, and Shannon Stewart drove in the only runs, helping Toronto beat the White Sox for Chicago’s third straight defeat.
National League Roundup: Hudson’s shutout boosts Braves
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C4
Tim Hudson pitched his 11th career shutout, and Brian McCann hit a two-run homer, helping Atlanta end a season-high four-game losing streak with a victory over Cincinnati.
Chiefs work out undrafted rookies
Former Florida QB Leak among longshots trying out for Kansas City
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C5
If only the national championship he won at Florida had made Chris Leak four inches taller.
Lawyer: Clemens ‘getting pummeled’
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C5
Roger Clemens’ lawyer says he will talk with his client about whether to press ahead with a defamation suit following a wave of unpleasant publicity in the wake of reports linking the pitcher to numerous women.
Royals rainout OK with Indians
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C5
Indians hitting coach Derek Shelton didn’t mind getting a break when Cleveland’s scheduled game against the Kansas City Royals on Friday night was postponed by rain.
Young Hornets face bigger test
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C6
Tyson Chandler struggled with the idea that New Orleans could be favored in its second-round series against the defending champion San Antonio Spurs, even if the Hornets are the higher seed and have home-court advantage.
Jazz douse Rockets, advance
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C6
Deron Williams scored 13 of his 25 points in the decisive third quarter, and the Utah Jazz beat Houston, 113-91, on Friday night to win the series 4-2 and knock the Rockets out of the playoffs in the opening round for the second straight year.
Upstart Hawks stun Celtics
Atlanta forces Game 7 vs. top-seeded Boston
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C6
As streamers poured from the rafters at Philips Arena, Marvin Williams stood at center court with arms folded, looking defiant, even with a sore knee. Zaza Pachulia grabbed a microphone and summed up this improbable series.
Cavs, LeBron silence Wizards
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C6
LeBron James had the last word. In an NBA playoff series filled with trash talk, hard fouls, 13 technicals, one ejection, one suspension and plenty more, James was everywhere and did a little bit of everything in Game 6.
LHS baseball finishes victory over O-South
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C3
Tom Schuh pitched a complete-game shutout, and outfielder Tyler Bailey homered as Lawrence High finished off Olathe South, 3-0, in Sunflower League baseball on Friday.
Three KU individuals win Arkansas track events
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C3
Egor Agafonov, Jordan Scott, Stephanie Horton and the women’s 1,600-meter relay team posted victories for Kansas University’s track and field teams Friday at the Arkansas Twilight on Friday night. Julius Jiles and Matt Baysinger also posted regional marks for the Jayhawks.
KU’s Powers named to All-Big 12 golf team
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C3
Kansas University’s Emily Powers — the lone Jayhawk invited to the NCAA Regional as an individual — was named to the All-Big 12 Women’s Golf Team on Friday.
KU football TV special to begin airing today
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C3
A 30-minute television special featuring the Kansas University football team will air on Fox Sports Net (Sunflower Broadband channel 36) starting today.
City swim squads shine at league
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C1
The formula for success was pretty clear during Friday’s Sunflower League preliminary girls swimming and diving meet at the Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center: Place in the top six or bust.
Keegan: K.C. team atypical
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C1
Acronyms tend to trigger predictable images. Play the word-association game with several listed below and see if you don’t spit out the same responses.
Rivals eyeing rematch at Invite
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C1
A rivalry is brewing in the AAU basketball ranks, and the Jayhawk Invitational will be ground zero this weekend for that potential storm. K.C. Pump N Run is once again the favorite to win the Jayhawk Invite after winning it the last three years. But last year’s runner-up, Howard Pulley Black, is back, and the players have just one thing — and one team — on their minds.
Wind-aided win
Jayhawks rally for wild victory
May 3, 2008 in print edition on C1
Just this one time, the howling wind offered no help. Kansas University closer Paul Smyth served up a strike to Oklahoma’s cleanup hitter, Aaron Baker, with two outs and one on in the ninth inning. Baker crushed it to left-center field, carried along by the strong breeze blowing out on a chilly Friday night at Hoglund Ballpark.
Pump patrol
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B1
The Journal-World found gas prices as low as $3.45 at several locations.
Simons: One individual with a powerful vision can inspire many
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B1
What a difference one man can make. In 1967 Takeru Higuchi joined Kansas University as a Regents Professor of Pharmacy and Chemistry and in the 20 short subsequent years before he died, he showed what an individual with vision, high energy, a constant desire to excel and challenge, who possesses great intelligence and superior leadership skills, can achieve.
Last Call shooter to register for life
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B1
When Carlos Jackson is released from prison for shooting and wounding three people, he will have to register with the state as an offender for the rest of his life.
Karl Rove to speak at Republican event
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B1
President Bush’s former deputy chief of staff and senior adviser Karl Rove will be coming to Kansas to speak at a state Republican Party fundraiser.
Higher education funding off the table
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B1
Higher education officials Friday were upset about a budget amendment that essentially removed the possibility of post-secondary schools getting any additional funding during the wrap-up session.
Politicians celebrate KU wins
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B1
Politicians put aside their differences Friday to honor Kansas University’s men’s basketball, football and debate teams.
Lawmakers want to sue Sebelius over coal plants
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B3
Kansas House leaders Friday introduced a resolution to allow the Legislature to sue Gov. Kathleen Sebelius over coal-fired electric power plants.
John Brown’s kin visits Kansas
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B1
Alice Keesey Mecoy was 16 when a historian told her she was a descendant of radical abolitionist John Brown. She reacted the same way many people do.
Report: Sunflowers came first in Mexico, not US
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A1
New evidence confirms that the sunflower — Kansas’ state flower — was domesticated in Mexico more than 4,600 years ago, contrary to the widely held belief that it was converted into a food crop only in the Mississippi Valley.
Cancer treatments don’t slow lawmaker
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A1
It’s 7:30 a.m., and Rep. Marti Crow, D-Leavenworth, makes her way into the State Capitol in Topeka. By now, the Kansas Legislature has been in session for four months. She takes her place as the agenda chairwoman for the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives and later heads over to the education committee meeting.
Storm blows through area
Tornado, winds cause damage, several close calls
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A1
Tina McIver ducked under a love seat in her living room around 1:30 a.m. Friday as the wind howled outside. “It was just a big roar, and the whole house shook,” she said. At the home west of Clinton Lake, McIver, her roommate, Brenna Muntzert, Muntzert’s two children and their dog took shelter from a storm that rocked parts of Douglas County.
Tornadoes tear up parts of 4 states
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A3
Violent storms rolling across the nation’s midsection unleashed tornadoes, high winds and hail in four states and killed eight people in Arkansas on Friday, including a teenager who died when a tree fell into her bedroom as she slept.
Insurance companies bringing in extra help
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A7
With the destruction across the region from the Friday morning storm, insurance agents will surely be busy. Lawrence insurance agent Ron King said American Family insurance company already had received 1,800 claims across the region — including the hard-hit areas of Kansas City — by late morning.
Wheat not hurt
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A6
Neither wind nor rain nor quarter-sized hail could put a dent in this year’s wheat crop. So says Matthew Vajnar, grain merchandiser for Ottawa Cooperative Association, which has more than a dozen grain elevators in the area.
Power knocked out in area towns
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A6
Baldwin City resident Mike Brungardt had called the city Thursday about a tree in his front yard, concerned that if the old tree went down, it would take out a power line. He watched in amazement around 1:15 a.m. Friday when half of that scenario played out, as a storm pummeled Baldwin City.
Douglas County chooses not to activate sirens
May 3, 2008 in print edition on A6
The tornado warning sirens went off in Perry early Friday morning. They didn’t in Lecompton. Following a longtime county policy, Douglas County leaders decided not to activate the county’s outdoor warning sirens, despite the National Weather Service issuing a tornado warning for northwest Douglas County.
Injured vet accepts Dole honor
Soldier lost 3 limbs during war in Iraq
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B3
Life’s struggles can turn into the most meaningful life lessons. U.S. Army Sgt. Matt Lammers, 26, had been one of his dad’s “best teachers,” said Gary Lammers, a high school principal in Olathe.
Downtown walking tours offer history, life lessons
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B4
Brenna Buchanan thought a Kansas University architecture class about the history of Lawrence’s downtown would be easy. “Not at all; it’s the hardest class I’ve taken all semester,” the Lawrence native said.
Chamber seeks public input in CEO search
May 3, 2008 in print edition on B4
The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce is turning to its members and the public for help devising a candidate profile for the organization’s next president and chief executive officer.