Advertisement

Archive for Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Also from April 15

Births
Blog entries
Obituaries
On the street
Photos
Photo galleries
2008-09 KU Basketball Fan Photos The day in photos, April 15, 2009
Podcasts
Polls
Have you ever had a need to call 911 for an emergency?

Poll results

Response Percent
Yes.
 
 66%
No.
 
 33%
Total 398
Videos

Lead stories

12:00 a.m.
Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, R-Kan., and his wife, Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., appear at the unveiling of his portrait at the U.S. Capitol in July, 2006. Bob and Elizabeth Dole to lecture together at KU
By Andy Hyland
April 14, 2009 in print edition on 3A
Former U.S. Sens. Bob and Elizabeth Dole are scheduled to deliver the 2009 Dole Lecture sponsored by the Dole Institute of Politics. Bob Dole has given one of the annual lectures before, but Bill Lacy, director of the Dole Institute, said he has tried to get the two of them to appear at the institute together since Bob Dole’s last speaking engagement there.
6:00 a.m.
Kansas University Athletics Director Lew Perkins walks the halls at Texas Tech after KU fell to the Red Raiders on March 4th, 2009. KU’s Lew Perkins in line for extra $750,000 in retention bonus
By Andy Hyland
April 14, 2009 in print edition on 1A
Kansas University’s athletic director could be in line for $750,000 more this summer than originally planned in his contract. KU added the amount to a retention payment due to Lew Perkins this summer after he declined efforts made by another university in June 2006 to recruit him as its athletic director, said Lynn Bretz, a KU spokeswoman.
10:00 a.m.
Sen. Sam Brownback, center, gets a guided tour of the Bowersock Mills and Power Co. Brownback touted renewable energy sources like hydroelectricity during a stop in Lawrence on Tuesday. Owner-operators Stephen Hill, left, and Sarah Hill-Nelson answered Brownback’s questions. Brownback: Congress shouldn’t stand in private sector’s way on alternative energy
By George Diepenbrock
April 14, 2009 in print edition on 3A
U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback said Tuesday that he doesn’t want Congress to make it tougher on the private sector to supply alternative sources of energy like hydroelectric power from a dam on the Kansas River.
2:00 p.m.
Hank Booth has been named the 2009 recipient of the Jim and Virginia Seaver Award from Douglas County Senior Services. Radio host honored for volunteer service
By Jane Imber - Special to the Journal-World
April 14, 2009 in print edition on 3A
Hank Booth handled his first on-air shift at KLWN when he was 11, and he’s been at the microphone ever since. But Booth also has used his signature talents to make Lawrence a better place to live for more than five decades, say those who have named him the 2009 recipient of the Jim and Virginia Seaver Award from Douglas County Senior Services.
6:00 p.m.
Outgoing mayor Mike Dever listens to a discussion among the commissioners Tuesday at City Hall. On his final night as mayor, Dever delivered his State of the City Address, in which he asked the commission to prioritize its search for a new homeless shelter. Outgoing mayor: Shelter issue needs cooperation
By Chad Lawhorn
April 15, 2009 in print edition on 1A
Outgoing Mayor Mike Dever on Tuesday congratulated the community for coming together in the last year to handily approve a trio of sales taxes for public transit and infrastructure projects. Now, he says the community and the commission need to come together on another long-talked-about subject: homeless shelters.

All stories

Teenage girl escapes from transport vehicle in west Lawrence
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A4
A 16-year-old girl wanted on a charge of making a criminal threat escaped from a vehicle in Lawrence on Wednesday afternoon while being transported to face those charges in Liberal. Lawrence police Sgt. Mark Warren said officers were called to McDonald’s, 4911 W. Sixth St., at 2:33 p.m.
Lawrence High senior Dorian Green officially signs with Colorado State
CSU mens basketball coach Tim Miles delighted to land LHS product
By Matt Tait
April 15, 2009
Lawrence High senior basketball standout Dorian Green is expected to sign a national letter of intent to Colorado State University at 2:45 p.m. today.
St. Patrick’s Day Committee makes donations to charities
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A3
Funds raised by the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee have been divided among four charitable organizations.
KU retirees call elimination of free-ticket program a ‘breach of faith’ by university
By Mark Fagan
05:06 p.m., April 15, 2009 Updated 06:18 p.m. in print edition on A1
KU retirees usher patrons to seats in the Lied Center and give money to help Lied Center programs — heck, they even contributed to the formation of what is now Friends of the Lied Center, an organization that helped establish the performing arts venue itself.
Eudora administrator resigns at meeting
By David Oakes
04:50 p.m., April 15, 2009 Updated 11:17 p.m. in print edition on A3
Eudora City Administrator Cheryl Beatty resigned Wednesday night at a special Eudora City Council meeting. After a 30-minute executive session with the city’s attorney, the council unanimously voted to release her from her current contract effective immediately.
Ethics officials investigating House Speaker O’Neal for possible violation of nepotism law
By Scott Rothschild
04:38 p.m., April 15, 2009 Updated 05:31 p.m. in print edition on A1
When state Rep. Mike O’Neal, R-Hutchinson, was elected speaker of the House earlier this year, his wife also changed jobs. Cindy O’Neal had been secretary of the House Judiciary Committee, which her husband chaired. But when Mike O’Neal got a promotion, Cindy O’Neal was hired as a House Republican Caucus liaison at $27,000 per year.
Lawrence Memorial Hospital in good economic health
Hospital has taken many positive steps, accountant says
By Karrey Britt
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A3
“Are we lucky or smart?” asked Chuck Heath, finance committee chairman, of Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He made the comment at Wednesday morning’s Board of Trustees meeting after hearing a gleaming audit report. While the comment provoked laughter, the auditor would later answer it’s a little of both.
Two write-ins win election in Linwood
April 15, 2009
The people have spoken, and even though no one filed for Linwood mayor or for one of three open seats on the city council, two residents will fill those positions.
Emergency dispatchers celebrated for their behind-the-scenes work
‘Never a dull moment’ for dispatchers
By Jesse Fray
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A1
As one 911 dispatcher sent officers to track down a reported mushroom hunter, another rushed paramedics to a reported medical death. Meanwhile, a third emergency dispatcher was on the phone with a caller who was complaining about someone driving across their property.
Tonganoxie students to get early end to school year
By Shawn Linenberger
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A4
Tonganoxie students will start summer break a bit earlier. At a Tonganoxie school board meeting earlier this week, assistant superintendent Kyle Hayden suggested that moving up the last day of school would save the district about $6,500 in pay for transportation, food service and paraprofessional staff each day. Overall, he said it would save about $25,000.
Hundreds of half-marathoners to raise money for Lawrence Health Care Access Sunday
By George Diepenbrock
April 15, 2009
More than 1,600 runners are expected to hit the streets of Lawrence Sunday morning to raise money for Lawrence Health Care Access, a charitable clinic for the uninsured.
Anti-abortion group raises new questions over Sebelius nomination
Associated Press
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B8
An anti-abortion group has released a document raising new questions about Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ ties to one of the few U.S. physicians performing late-term abortions.
The bottom? Fed finds signs that the economic plunge may have moderated
Not all data agrees though
Associated Press
01:14 p.m., April 15, 2009 Updated 01:31 p.m.
The Federal Reserve says there are some faint signs the steep plunge in economic activity that began last fall is starting to level off.
Many Kansans throw ‘TEA parties,’ but Lawrencians not among them
Associated Press
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A2
Hundreds of Kansans are staging rallies around the state to protest what they view as excessive taxes, wasteful government spending and federal bailouts of big businesses.
KDOT official calls for stronger seatbelt law
Associated Press
April 15, 2009
A KDOT official says if state lawmakers don’t produce a tougher seat belt law by the end of the session, they probably never will.
Deadline for mailing forms is 6:15 p.m.
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A3
If you have not filed your taxes yet, the clock is ticking. The main Lawrence Post Office, 645 Vt., will close at 5:30 p.m. today. The lobby, however, will be open until 6:15 p.m. and that’s the last time that anything put into the delivery slot will receive an April 15 postmark. After that, taxes will be considered late.
Wilson making big leap
By Tom Keegan
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B1
Most of the workout phenoms, the guys who light up the stopwatch and rip up the weight room, they go to Texas and Oklahoma, USC and Florida. For most of the rest of the coaching staffs in the nation, the challenge comes in projecting which athletes will work hard enough and learn thoroughly enough to close the gap on the physical marvels.
Anderson deal official
Associated Press
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B7
Mike Anderson has signed a seven-year deal to remain Missouri’s men’s basketball coach. The third-year coach, who led the Tigers to a school-record 31 wins and snapped a five-year NCAA Tournament drought that ended just short of the Final Four, signed the new contract along with university officials Monday. The school released copies Tuesday.
KU volleyball adds middle blocker
J-W Staff Reports
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B5
The Kansas University volleyball team added its second National Letter of Intent signee for the 2009 season on Tuesday with the addition of Caroline Jarmoc out of Calgary, Alberta.
LHS soccer on hot streak
By Chuck Woodling
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B3
Don’t stop the world. Lawrence High’s girls soccer team doesn’t want to get off.
Chiefs will hit road early in ‘09
Associated Press
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B2
Kansas City Chiefs fans wanting to take some fall vacation without missing any home games should book travel this year in September or November.
NASCAR driver throws first pitch at Royals game
By Mark Boyle
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A4
A new baseball season is under way in a newly renovated Kauffman Stadium. A young man in the spotlight before Tuesday night’s Royals game is also on the brink of a new beginning. Eudora native and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Chase Austin, 19, was invited to throw out the first pitch at Tuesday’s Royals game, as well as sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
Price lifts KU baseball in 10th
J-W Staff Reports
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B5
Junior Robby Price’s sacrifice fly in the top of the 10th inning plated Casey Lytle from third base and lifted the No. 24 Kansas University baseball team to a 7-6 victory over Creighton on Tuesday at Rosenblatt Stadium.
Gasoline expected to increase but stay cheap
By H. Josef Hebert - Associated Press Writer
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A2
Gasoline prices are expected to be relatively low this summer, so motorists might want to take to the road despite the dismal economy if the federal government projections hold. The Energy Information Administration said regular-grade gasoline is expected to average $2.23 a gallon during the April-through-September driving season, although it will likely fluctuate and could jump to more than $2.30 a gallon during the peak driving period in late summer.
Governor to introduce gay marriage bill
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A2
New York Gov. David Paterson plans to introduce legislation this week to legalize same-sex marriage, reviving a bill that died in 2007 and still faces strong opposition despite a new Democratic majority in the state Senate. Paterson, talking to reporters Tuesday in Hempstead, N.Y, said “there is clearly a problem” when gays and lesbians in civil unions are denied 1,200 to 1,350 civil protections such as health care and pension rights because they’re not married.
Cuts in greenhouse gas could lessen warming
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A2
A new scientific study finds that the absolute worst of global warming can still be avoided if the entire world cuts emission of greenhouse gases the way President Barack Obama and Europe want. A computer simulation by the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colo., looked at what would happen by the end of the century if greenhouse gas levels were cut by 70 percent.
Government vows to restart reactor
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A2
North Korea said Tuesday it was restarting its rogue nuclear program, booting U.N. inspectors and pulling out of disarmament talks in an angry reaction to U.N. Security Council condemnation of its April 5 rocket launch. Pyongyang ordered U.N. nuclear inspectors to remove seals and cameras from its Yongbyon nuclear site and leave the country as quickly as possible, the International Atomic Energy Agency said.
Ex-Ill. Gov. Blagojevich pleads not guilty
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A2
Ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich pleaded not guilty to racketeering and fraud charges Tuesday, defiantly embarking on a long journey to clear his name but facing serious money problems and without a team of lawyers in place.
Study: Drug promotes healing of fractures
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A2
A drug used to treat severe osteoporosis promotes healing of hard-to-mend fractures in the elderly and others, reducing pain and time spent in nursing, researchers said Tuesday. In preliminary studies, 93 percent of 145 patients who had unhealed bone fractures — some for as long as six months — had significant healing after only eight to 12 weeks on the drug, called teriparatide, or Forteo.
On the record
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A4
• The Leavenworth County Attorney’s Office has filed drug charges against a rural Tonganoxie man. Kenneth Blair, 38, was charged with possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. • A 37-year-old Lawrence man reported a burglary and theft Monday morning in the 400 block of Maple Street.
Kansas softball sweeps UMKC
J-W Staff Reports
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B5
Kansas University senior outfielder Dougie McCaulley went 3-for-3 to lead the Jayhawks softball team to a 7-2 rout of UMKC in the second game of a doubleheader on Tuesday night at Arrocha Ballpark.
Guilty plea entered in gun incidents
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A5
A Gardner man has admitted robbing two people at gunpoint in Lawrence in January, and subsequently firing shots at a vehicle on Kansas Highway 10. On Tuesday in Douglas County District Court, Terrell D. Griffin, 22, entered a guilty plea to felony charges of aggravated robbery, attempted aggravated robbery, criminal discharge of a firearm and criminal possession of a firearm.
Interim vice provost of diversity, equity named
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A5
Fred Rodriguez, associate professor in Kansas University’s School of Education, has been named as KU’s new interim vice provost for diversity and equity. In addition to serving in the education school’s department of curriculum and teaching, Rodriguez also serves as director of both the Multicultural Scholars Program and the Professional Development Schools Alliance.
Student killed in love triangle with teacher
By Amanda Lee Myers - Associated Press Writer
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A9
An 18-year-old high school student caught with his 48-year-old math teacher in her bedroom was stabbed to death by her boyfriend, who was himself a former student of hers, police said Tuesday. Chandler police said 20-year-old Sixto Balbuena told them he never meant to kill Samuel Valdivia. He allegedly told police “the blade went in like going into butter” and that he just wanted to show Valdivia how much he hurt him by sleeping with Tamara Hofmann.
Recount confirms smoking ban passage
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B12
A recount has confirmed that an Emporia smoking ban ordinance has passed. The measure won approval last week by just six votes, and the margin grew by two votes after Tuesday’s recount. The Lyon County Board of Canvassers certified late Tuesday afternoon that the final count was 2,369 votes for banning smoking in public places and 2,361 against it.
Former commissioner sentenced in sign theft
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B12
A former Johnson County commissioner who was videotaped last year stealing his opponent’s campaign signs has been sentenced to probation. The Kansas City Star reported on its Web site Tuesday that John Toplikar accepted an agreement where he’ll serve 12 months probation and, if he stays out of trouble during that time, prosecutors will dismiss a misdemeanor theft charge.
Senator recovers from knee surgery
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B12
Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts is recovering from knee surgery. Roberts’ office said he underwent surgery Tuesday at a Washington-area hospital to repair torn cartilage in his left knee. He was released and is recuperating at his home in Alexandria, Va.
Committee to audit sales tax spending
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A8
City commissioners at their Tuesday evening meeting appointed a new committee to ensure that new sales tax money is being spent only on items that voters approved last November. The commission appointed its Sales Tax Audit Committee, which will have the broad charge of auditing whether sales tax money is being spent on public transit and infrastructure issues as approved by voters.
Company: Prostate cancer vaccine promising
By Marilynn Marchione - Associated Press Writer
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A8
An experimental treatment that takes an entirely new approach to fighting prostate cancer extended survival in a late-stage study, its maker announced Tuesday. Seattle-based Dendreon Corp. said that its Provenge cancer vaccine improved overall survival when compared to a dummy treatment in a study of 512 men with advanced disease.
Best mowers for lawn not always the priciest
Consumer Reports
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B11
The current state of the economy has people scaling back on a variety of luxuries and the lawn care service industry is no exception. The latest lawn poll from Consumer Reports found that more than a third of adults (37 percent) use a self-propelled gas mower.
Bad idea
By Matthew M. O’Connell
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A10
To the editor: John Ross’ notion (April 12) that Lawrence should follow a German recycling model is a near-perfect example of why we should never look to the current European scene for anything other than what not to do.
NASA names treadmill COLBERT
By Jake Coyle - Associated Press Writer
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B10
One small step for NASA, one giant running leap for Stephen Colbert. NASA announced Tuesday that it won’t name a room in the international space station after the comedian. Instead, it has named a treadmill after him.
Cash in bra slows down bullet
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A12
Police say a wad of cash stuffed in a woman’s bra saved her life during a shootout in northeastern Brazil. Salvador city police spokesman Vicente de Paula says 58-year-old Ivonete Pereira de Oliveira was a passenger on the bus that two gunmen held up on Saturday.
Sebelius’ KTEC cut could cost KU jobs
18 research positions at stake if fund veto stands
By Scott Rothschild
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A3
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ veto of funding for a state economic development agency could cost Kansas University the equivalent of 18 positions dedicated to high-level research, a school official said Tuesday. “The loss of these positions would be painful,” said Lynn Bretz, a university spokeswoman. “They’re not insignificant.”
Business owner up for district vice president
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B11
Jan Stewart, Lawrence, of the Lawrence Express Network of the American Business Women’s Association, is a District Three vice presidential candidate. The ABWA, a national organization headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., promotes women in business through networking and programming.
Beans go from dry to delicious
McClatchy Newspapers
April 15, 2009 in print edition on C3
Laurel and John Wetzork of Wendell, N.C., have figured out how to save money by cooking dried beans and stockpiling their freezer with the meal staple. Laurel Wetzork shared how they process dried beans. A pound of dried beans generally costs less than $1 and produces six cups of cooked beans, which is typically cheaper than buying three cans of the same beans.
Twyla Tharp work reconstructed for dance troupe’s concert
By Terry Rombeck
April 15, 2009 in print edition on C1
An early work by renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp will hit the stage Thursday and Friday at the University Dance Company at Kansas University.
United Way gives grant to Prosperity Partners
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B11
United Way of Douglas County, along with the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and Maceli’s, will host a Business After-Hours Volunteer Fair at Maceli’s from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today. During the fair, United Way will present a $43,000, two-year grant to Prosperity Partners.
U.S. ship damaged in Somali pirate attack
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A6
Somali pirates attacked and damaged an American ship carrying humanitarian aid, but the ship and crew are safe under Navy escort. A U.S. Central Command spokesman says the Liberty Sun reported being attacked around 10:30 a.m. CDT Tuesday. The vessel’s owner, Lake Success, N.Y.-based Liberty Maritime Corp., says the pirates fired rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons.
Death sentence changed to life
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B8
More than a decade after he was sentenced to die for killing a woman and her toddler daughter, a Wichita man has been sentenced to life in prison.
Asparagus shines in easy recipes
April 15, 2009 in print edition on C3
Learn how to make Easy Garlic Rosemary Asparagus, Pasta with Asparagus Sauce, Fresh Asparagus Soup, Asparagus Divine and Asparagus Spice Cookies.
Jayhawks a favorite to win in 2010
By Gary Bedore
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B1
The “I’m staying” declarations of Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins have made Kansas University’s basketball team a popular early pick to win the 2010 NCAA basketball championship.
LHS softball drops doubleheader to O-South
J-W Staff Reports
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B3
The Lawrence High softball team lost a pair of games to Olathe South, 15-0 and 7-0, on Tuesday afternoon.
Free State tops SM North, 2-1
By Matt Tait
April 15, 2009 in print edition on C3
Free State High junior soccer player Caroline Mayhew knows that she could have — perhaps even should have — scored another goal or two during the Firebirds’ 2-1 victory against Shawnee Mission North on Tuesday at FSHS.
Steroids era statistics don’t impress
By Stan Olson - The Charlotte Observer
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B2
This will be the enduring legacy of baseball’s steroid scandal: Every player who had a good season that was in any way surprising during the past two decades will find those statistics under suspicion. Each better-than-average year will be tarred by the same performance-enhanced brush in the minds of the game’s fans for all time.
Down to the wire
Firebirds edge Lions in Free State Invitational
By Jesse Temple
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B1
Morgan Flannigan did not know exactly how close the team standings were as she prepared to swim the last leg of the final swimming event at Free State High’s Invitational Tuesday afternoon. The Free State junior did know one thing about that final 400-yard free relay, though.
Outgoing mayor: Shelter issue needs cooperation
New commissioners take their seats
By Chad Lawhorn
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A1
Outgoing Mayor Mike Dever on Tuesday congratulated the community for coming together in the last year to handily approve a trio of sales taxes for public transit and infrastructure projects. Now, he says the community and the commission need to come together on another long-talked-about subject: homeless shelters.
Economy still vulnerable
By Jeannine Aversa - Associated Press Writer
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A2
The recession is easing? Not so fast. An unexpected drop in sales of just about everything from cars to clothes sent a sobering message Tuesday: The economy is still vulnerable. That cautionary guidance was seconded by President Barack Obama and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, though they had encouraging words as well.
Documents show Missouri missteps in O’Neal death
Associated Press
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B7
University of Missouri officials failed to follow policies for medical emergencies when freshman linebacker Aaron O’Neal collapsed and later died during a 2005 summer workout, according to legal documents obtained by The Associated Press.
Buck’s grand slam lifts Royals past Indians
By John Marshall - Associated Press Sports Writer
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B1
The big biceps get the attention. Now John Buck has a strong core to do the important work. Figuring a solid core would help with his flexibility and give him more stamina for the entire season, Buck changed his offseason workouts to emphasize the muscles around his stomach, back and hips. The results are hard to argue so far: three homers in his first two games.
Bedbugs bite back: EPA looks to stop resurgence
By Dina Cappiello - Associated Press Writer
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A9
“Don’t let the bedbugs bite.” Doesn’t seem so bad in a cheerful bedtime rhyme, but it’s becoming a really big problem now that the nasty critters are invading hospitals, college dorms and even swanky hotels. With the most effective pesticides banned, the government is trying to figure out how to respond to the biggest bedbug outbreak since World War II.
Fidel Castro calls U.S. changes positive but minimal
By Will Weissert - Associated Press Writer
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A6
Fidel Castro said Tuesday the Obama administration’s softening of sanctions is “positive although minimal,” and criticized it for leaving in place the embargo that bars most trade and travel between the two countries. The White House announced Monday that Americans will now be able to make unlimited transfers of money and visits to relatives in Cuba.
Somali pirates on hijack spree since weekend
By Elizabeth A. Kennedy - Associated Press Writer
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A6
Somali pirates were back to business as usual Tuesday, defiantly seizing four more ships with 60 hostages after U.S. sharpshooters rescued an American freighter captain. “No one can deter us,” one bandit boasted.
Crying mom faces murder, rape charges
By Terry Collins - Associated Press Writer
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A9
A woman kidnapped, raped and murdered an 8-year-old girl whose body was found in a suitcase dumped in a pond just a few miles from home, prosecutors alleged Tuesday. Melissa Huckaby, 28, was charged with murdering her daughter’s playmate, Sandra Cantu, in a gruesome crime that has shocked and terrified residents of Tracy, a Northern California city of about 78,000, 60 miles east of San Francisco.
Schools’ mental health service a budget victim
By Lindsey Slater
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A1
Lawrence school board members approved just under $1 million of cuts and cost-saving measures at their meeting Monday night. One of those cuts was the WRAP program, a free mental health service provided by social workers in all Lawrence secondary schools. The contract with WRAP, which stands for Working to Recognize Alternative Possibilities, made up $250,000 of the total budget cuts.
Account manager earns staffing certification
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B11
Nate Scott, account manager of Sedona Staffing, in Lawrence, has earned the Certified Staffing Professional designation from the American Staffing Association. The CSP program offers a professional credential through completion of an in-depth study course and an exam of labor and employment law principles and ethical practices applicable to the staffing industry.
Bush analysis is just beginning
By Leonard Pitts Jr.
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A10
So apparently, we’re not allowed to talk about George W. Bush anymore. I found this out recently after opining in this space about a newspaper report documenting the use — actually, the uselessness — of Bush-approved torture on a supposed al-Qaida terrorist. In response came notes from a handful of Bush dead-enders that might fairly be summarized as follows.
How Obama can help Latin America
By Andres Oppenheimer - The Miami Herald
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A10
When President Barack Obama meets with 33 hemispheric leaders at the Summit of the Americas later this week, most media attention will focus on whether there will be a thaw in U.S. ties with Venezuela and Cuba. But the No. 1 issue for most participating leaders will be how to prevent a Latin American economic debacle.
Green returns: Asparagus brings a tender touch to spring menus
By Sarah Henning
April 15, 2009 in print edition on C1
Today, April 15, is a rite of spring. True, it’s a day many Americans dread: Time to turn in your yearly homework assignment to the IRS. But today is more than a rendezvous with Uncle Sam — it’s a date with another spring tradition: asparagus.
Budget temptation
The state should find a way to reserve at least a portion of its expected federal stimulus funds for university maintenance.
J-W Editorials
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A10
Giving the Kansas Board of Regents more budget flexibility isn’t necessarily a bad idea, but it may tempt the board and the schools it oversees to spend too much of their federal stimulus money in unwise ways. The state budget bill passed by the Kansas Legislature required the regents institutions to spend an expected $40 million in stimulus funds only on deferred maintenance projects.
Time to say ‘no’ to taxes
By Cal Thomas
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A11
April 15 might become the biggest tax-and-spend protest since the Boston Tea Party of 1773. Politicians fear spontaneous citizen outrage. That’s because when the public realizes they have been scammed, bamboozled, defrauded and hustled by politicians who take and then misspend their money — mostly to enhance their own power — they’ll run like scalded dogs.
Nonprofit newspapers?
By Ryan Blethen - The Seattle Times
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A11
U.S. Sen. Benjamin Cardin unintentionally injected some gallows humor into newspapers when he introduced the Newspaper Revitalization Act to Congress. The Maryland Democrat’s bill would change the tax code, allowing newspapers to become 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Newspapers operating as nonprofits prompted a collective sad chuckle from newspaper employees.
People in the news
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B10
• Actress knows whodunit to Edie on ‘Housewives’ • George Harrison gets Walk of Fame star • Lindsay Lohan makes mock dating service ad
Don’t let this offer get away!
By Kevin McDonough
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B10
Act now and you can watch “Pitchmen” (9 p.m., Discovery). This one-of-a-kind show is not available in stores. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of infomercials that chops, slices and dices through the American dream of making an indispensable product and selling it on television at 3 a.m.
Horoscopes
April 15, 2009 in print edition on B10
This year, the pressure to produce and excel weighs heavily on you. Establish new limits as to what you will produce or what you want to create. If you are single, you’ll meet someone probably working or networking. If you are attached, the two of you need to do more together in the outside world.
Scientist: First cloned camel born in Dubai
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A12
A scientist says the world’s first cloned camel has been produced in the desert emirate of Dubai. Nisar Ahmad Wani, a senior reproductive biologist at the government’s Camel Reproduction Center, says the cloned camel is a six-day-old, one-humped female called Achievement or Injaz in Arabic.
Taliban kill young couple for eloping
By Amir Shah and Rahim Faiez - Associated Press Writers
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A12
A Taliban firing squad killed a young couple in southwestern Afghanistan for trying to elope, shooting them with AK-47s in front of a crowd in a lawless, militant-controlled region, officials said Tuesday. The woman, 19-year-old Gul Pecha, and the man, 21-year-old Abdul Aziz, were accused by the militants of immoral acts, and a council of conservative clerics decided that the two should be killed, officials said.
Pump patrol
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A3
The Journal-World found gas prices as low as $1.89 at several stations.
Volunteers sought for Clinton Lake Cleanup
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A3
The 26th annual Clinton Lake Cleanup is set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 25. Volunteers should meet at Overlook Park Shelter No. 1, which is on the northeastern side of the lake. Lunch, educational booths and various other activities will be available throughout the morning.
Some tips for the Obamas on their new pup
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A7
Bo, the Obama family’s new Portuguese water dog, is sure to get the best presidential care. He is the top dog, after all. But pet experts and Portie owners still have some advice for the first family on training their new pup.
Obamas show off new pooch with ’star quality’
By Ann Sanner - Associated Press Writer
April 15, 2009 in print edition on A7
First pooch Bo got star treatment and his first backyard romp at the White House on Tuesday — and even presidential clearance to visit the Oval Office. But he better not get any inflated ideas about doggy sleeping arrangements. “Not in my bed,” declared Barack Obama.
Studies back health, heart-specific benefits of omega-3s
By Susan Krumm
April 15, 2009 in print edition on C1
Q: Should I really eat fish twice a week for good health? A: The American Heart Association recommends that we should be “eating fish (particularly fatty fish) at least two times a week.” This is because, in addition to fish being a good source of protein and relatively low in saturated fat, many varieties are high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Meat plays supporting role
By Sharon Thompson - McClatchy Newspapers
April 15, 2009 in print edition on C3
Food budgets, the environment, animal welfare and carbon footprints are concerns of many people who choose to eat meat in moderation. Only 5 percent of Americans are vegetarians, but many people are looking for ways to reduce meat in their diets, according to Joy Manning and Tara Mataraza in “Almost Meatless” (Ten Speed Press, $22.50.)
Marketplace
Today's lunch specials

Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que Platter and Combo Specials · Choose one meat from below $7.99 Choose two ...

Wayne & Larry's Sports Bar & Grill $5.99 Fish & Chips · Lightly breaded tilapia served on a bed of ...

O Cafe $7.95 Pork or Chicken Bulgogi

Henry T's Bar & Grill Celebrating 22 Years! 2-for-1 Charbroiled Burgers · Kobe, Chicken, Turkey, Pork Tenderloin, and Spicy Black ...

Jayhawker Fish Friday · Get your Fish Friday Fix with a complimentary ...

El Mezcal II $5.99 Chimichanga (Beef or Spicy Chicken) · with rice and beans.

Johnny's Tavern $5.00 Fajitas · Choice of chicken or steak.

Bird Dog Bar $9.95 Fish 'N' Chips

Bigg's Barbeque $6.00 The Phog Wrap · Just like in Allen Fieldhouse! Turkey wrap with ...

Longhorn Steakhouse $7.99 Combos Everyday · 1/2 Sandwich and Soup or Salad.

Wheat State Pizza Double Deal: LG Specialty AND LG 1-Topping pizza just $19.99. · Every day: get a 10" 1-Topping Pizza and ...

See all specials · Get lunch specials e-mail