Advertisement

Archive for Sunday, December 27, 2009

Lead stories

12:00 a.m.
Kansas guard Sherron Collins pumps up the crowd after a dunk by teammate Cole Aldrich during the second half Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009 at Allen Fieldhouse. No zeros on All-’00s team
December 25, 2009 in print edition on 1B
Here, after hours and hours of deliberation, are the Journal-World sports staff members’ picks for KU’s all-decade men’s basketball team. Feel free to send your own picks to gbedore@ljworld.com and jnewell@ljworld.com.
6:00 a.m.
Kerry Townsend was resourceful in her quest to run to the grocery store for herself and a few neighbors. Using a saucer sled and rope to pull her groceries, she easily made her way along Connecticut Street near 15th Street Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009. Blizzard’s gone, but roads remain snow-covered
December 27, 2009 in print edition on 1A
The snow will stay for a while, but the Christmas Blizzard of 2009 is on its way out of town.
10:00 a.m.
The streets of Lawrence were still snow covered on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009, but a few brave souls ventured out on Massachuetts Street. Snow collected in the center of the street created a median in the road. Snow cools post-Christmas sales
December 27, 2009 in print edition on 1B
Large hordes of day-after-Christmas shoppers were replaced by large piles of snow in downtown Lawrence on Saturday as some area retailers reported light business on a traditionally busy shopping day.
2:00 p.m.
Viewed through the front arches of Spooner Hall is Dyche Hall, right of center, one of several historical buildings on the Kansas University campus. At left, in the distance, is Danforth Chapel and Fraser Hall. A new pilot purchasing program has the potential to help universities save time and money. Universities save time, money under state’s pilot purchasing program
December 27, 2009 in print edition on 1B
Higher education officials say freeing regents universities from state government purchasing requirements will save money for Kansas taxpayers.
6:00 p.m.

Former Kansas University standout Steve Woodberry watches a recent Missouri State University game from the bench. Woodberry is in his fourth year as an assistant at the Springfield, Mo., school. Steve Woodberry back on the bench
December 27, 2009 in print edition on 1C
Steve Woodberry — who played on two Final Four teams and three Big Eight title squads at Kansas University before embarking on a pro basketball career in Australia, Lithuania, Greece, Finland and Sweden — doesn’t boast about his own accomplishments on the recruiting trail.

All stories

Roads finally cleared of snow
12:10 p.m., December 27, 2009 Updated 12:00 a.m. in print edition on A1
Tom Orzulak, the city’s street division manager, said the snow event that crippled the city during the Christmas holiday weekend was the biggest he’d seen in his 20 years on the job.
Journal-World carriers still delivering
December 27, 2009
Newspaper carriers are still delivering papers to customers as the roads will allow.
Artists asked to ‘ReThink Topeka’
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B3
Attention artists, writers, poets and musicians who have ever drawn inspiration from the sites and sounds of the capital city — Justin Marable wants you to ReThink Topeka.
House and Senate look to final health care talks
Abortion, subsidized medical coverage top issues
December 27, 2009 in print edition on A6
How many Americans will get subsidized medical coverage — plus who will pay for it — will be front-burner issues when Congress returns next month to complete President Barack Obama’s health care remake.
1st case of highly drug-resistant TB found in U.S.
December 27, 2009 in print edition on A3
It started with a cough, an autumn hack that refused to go away.
Arraignment set in traffic death
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B1
A man charged in a deadly traffic accident is set to enter a plea next month.
Pump patrol
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B1
The Journal-World found gas prices as low as $2.36 at several stations.
Education ace
The state’s constitutional requirement to “make suitable provision for finance” of Kansas public schools may create a challenging budget situation for state legislators next year.
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B6
When it comes to state funding, K-12 schools in Kansas have an ace in the hole.
All hail the printed word: The best and brightest books of the year
December 27, 2009 in print edition on D3
Here’s an abiding mystery — in an age when every medium for the written word is evolving or under assault, why do people still write books?
Best of the decade: Fashion
December 27, 2009 in print edition on D6
The most significant news in the fashion industry once had to do with hemlines and silhouettes.
Resources available to victims of abuse
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B1
Domestic violence-related fatalities are on the rise, according to Kansas Attorney General Steve Six.
Sunday church cancellations
12:00 a.m., December 27, 2009 Updated 05:13 a.m.
Some area churches have canceled services Sunday, Dec. 27, because of poor travel conditions.
Meyer stepping down at Florida
December 27, 2009
Urban Meyer resigned Saturday as Florida’s football coach after five seasons and two national titles because of health concerns that came to light when he suffered chest pains following the SEC championship game earlier this month.
Note to NBA commissioner: Gambling not needed
December 27, 2009
NBA commissioner David Stern is one of the sharpest people I’ve ever met in sports.
Vick always will be an easy target
December 27, 2009 in print edition on C2
The road back never will be completely clear for Michael Vick.
Steve Woodberry back on the bench
Super-sub-turned-starter pays dues as coach
December 27, 2009 in print edition on C1
Steve Woodberry — who played on two Final Four teams and three Big Eight title squads at Kansas University before embarking on a pro basketball career in Australia, Lithuania, Greece, Finland and Sweden — doesn’t boast about his own accomplishments on the recruiting trail.
Martin silencing critics with success at Kansas State
December 27, 2009 in print edition on C1
When Frank Martin heard the rumblings he wasn’t qualified to replace Bob Huggins at Kansas State, that he was nothing more than a high school coach kept on to baby sit Michael Beasley, he shook off the sting and turned it into a challenge.
Grieving Bengals await Chiefs
Cincy mourns Henry, turns attention to K.C.
December 27, 2009 in print edition on C1
A spray of white and yellow flowers rests on the shelf in Chris Henry’s locker. His name and No. 15 are still affixed to the wooden cubicle. The receiver’s tiger-striped helmet hangs from a hook on the side. T-shirts are arranged on a pole in the back. It’s almost as though he hasn’t left.
Report: Security forces, demonstrators clash
December 27, 2009 in print edition on A2
Iranian security forces beat protesters in central Tehran on Saturday while hardline activists disrupted a speech by the country’s moderate former president, reformist Web sites said, raising tensions ahead of opposition rallies expected during a key religious mourning ritual.
6 Palestinians killed in surge of violence
December 27, 2009 in print edition on A2
Israeli troops blasted their way into the homes of three wanted Palestinians on Saturday, killing each in a hail of bullets and straining an uneasy security arrangement with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
U.S. missionary crosses border into N. Korea
December 27, 2009 in print edition on A2
An American Christian missionary slipped into isolated North Korea on Christmas Day, shouting that he brought God’s love and carrying a letter urging leader Kim Jong Il to step down and free all political prisoners, an activist said.
Police: Pastor fatally shoots son during fight
December 27, 2009 in print edition on A2
A pastor fatally shot one of his eight children on Christmas Day during a dispute at the family home, where more than a dozen relatives had gathered to celebrate the holiday, police said.
Poet, anti-apartheid activist Brutus dies
December 27, 2009 in print edition on A2
South African poet and former political prisoner Dennis Brutus, who fought apartheid in words and deeds and remained an activist well after the fall of his country’s racist system, has died. He was 85.
Ferry sinks, leaving at least 3 dead
December 27, 2009 in print edition on A2
A passenger ferry sank in the northern Philippines in a second sea disaster in three days. The bodies of three children were recovered and 22 people were missing today.
Yale: Van Gogh suit imperils other art
December 27, 2009 in print edition on A2
The ownership of tens of billions of dollars of art and other goods could be thrown into doubt if a lawsuit seeking the return of a famous Vincent Van Gogh painting is successful, according to a court filing by Yale University.
Nigerian man charged in Christmas airliner attack
December 27, 2009 in print edition on A2
A 23-year-old Nigerian man who claimed ties to al-Qaida was charged Saturday with trying to destroy a Detroit-bound airliner, just a month after his father warned U.S. officials of concerns about his son’s religious beliefs.
2nd human skull found in forest
December 27, 2009 in print edition on A4
Investigators in Southern California have found a second human skull in a national forest close to where hikers discovered the first on Christmas Eve.
Sparse shelves greet deal hunters
December 27, 2009 in print edition on A4
Shoppers headed to America’s malls Saturday, many with gift cards in hand, hoping to snag after-Christmas discounts. They were greeted with big markdowns — in some cases topping 75 percent off — but often found limited selection.
As economy mends, a jobless decade may loom
December 27, 2009 in print edition on A4
Call it the Terrible Teens. The decade ahead could be a brutal one for America’s unemployed — and for people with jobs hoping for pay raises.
Wheel Genius: Road work this week
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B4
This week’s area road work.
Offices, services to close for New Year’s
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B4
Most government offices and public services in Lawrence and Douglas County will be closed Friday in observance of New Year’s Day.
Legislature’s own spending scrutinized
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B4
The Kansas Legislature faces extra scrutiny over proposed increases in its own spending as state government grapples with financial problems.
Republicans to pick new state representative
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B2
Kansas Republicans plan to meet Jan. 5 to pick a replacement for a legislator from the Kansas City area.
West Virginia holds on
December 27, 2009 in print edition on C7
All No. 6 West Virginia had to do to remain undefeated was withstand a miraculous close to regulation by Seton Hall and another big scoring game by Jeremy Hazell.
Digital age trend is less paper, not paperless
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B5
or 35 years, prophets of the “paperless office” have been waiting for any convincing shred of evidence that Americans are less committed to paper.
Marshall tops Ohio
December 27, 2009 in print edition on C5
Martin Ward’s tackle-breaking run and powerful plunge along with a punt return gave Marshall a big lead over Ohio in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.
Artist’s work has cameo in ‘Twilight’
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B5
Sedalia artist Doug Freed thought he could catch a late movie on a weeknight without encountering much of a crowd, but when that movie is “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” the traditional wisdom doesn’t apply.
USC season ends on positive note
December 27, 2009 in print edition on C5
Matt Barkley threw touchdown passes to Stanley Havili on Southern California’s first two possessions and added a touchdown run in the fourth quarter to help the Trojans beat Boston College, 24-13, in the Emerald Bowl on Saturday.
Learning keeps 99-year-old young
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B8
Some people become apathetic to the ways of the world as they get older. Not 99-year-old Esther Wissbaum, of McCook.
Minn. preps 1st U.S. dental therapists
December 27, 2009 in print edition on A6
As a hygienist at the only nonprofit dental clinic in a wide swath of southern Minnesota, Jodi Hager sees close-up what limited care means: children from poor families with decay in every tooth and adults weary from driving two hours to a place that will take their state insurance.
Pitt edges UNC
December 27, 2009 in print edition on C5
Pittsburgh hasn’t won this many games since Dan Marino was the quarterback. The only player in school history to rush for more yards in a season than freshman sensation Dion Lewis is somebody named Tony Dorsett.
Blizzard’s gone, but roads remain snow-covered
Storm dumped 8 to 10 inches in area
December 27, 2009 in print edition on A1
The snow will stay for a while, but the Christmas Blizzard of 2009 is on its way out of town.
Airline passengers see tighter security
December 27, 2009 in print edition on A1
Extra pat-downs before boarding. No getting up for the last hour of the flight. More bomb-sniffing dogs. Airports worldwide tightened security a day after a passenger tried to light some kind of explosive on a flight into Detroit.
Advocates seek rape exams closer to home
Victims’ long drives to have evidence collected prolongs trauma
December 27, 2009 in print edition on A1
Jessica Kreutzer, 25, reported being raped Aug. 8, 2008, in her Hays home. After being interviewed by several law enforcement officers, she was told she needed to go to the hospital for an examination to collect evidence. What followed, she said, was another major trauma.
Boxed in: China, once mostly rural, can’t stop growing
December 27, 2009 in print edition on E8
Block after city block, towers of concrete, steel and glass fill the skyline.
Students shown the face of meth
December 27, 2009 in print edition on E8
Jefferson County sheriff’s deputy Larry Michaels has tried everything to teach high school students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol — but nothing has held their attention quite like a new computer program that shows them what they will look like after they use methamphetamine.
For Illinois residents, detainees bring hope, not danger
December 27, 2009 in print edition on E8
This town has waited eight years for its prison to open. Families have come and gone. Shops have expanded, and closed. Roads have been widened, hotels built. And yet the traffic never arrived, the rooms were seldom rented.
Snow cools post-Christmas sales
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B1
Large hordes of day-after-Christmas shoppers were replaced by large piles of snow in downtown Lawrence on Saturday as some area retailers reported light business on a traditionally busy shopping day.
Medicare drug plan to change
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B1
Beginning Jan. 1, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will reimburse Part D sponsors only for FDA-approved drugs.
Criminologist to speak at KSU
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B1
A noted criminal psychologist is speaking next month at Kansas State University.
Revenue numbers add up to unprecedented budget crunch
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B1
Those of us who have been covering the budget crisis have been inundated with statistics.
Universities save time, money under state’s pilot purchasing program
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B1
Higher education officials say freeing regents universities from state government purchasing requirements will save money for Kansas taxpayers.
Candidate needed to pick up Democrat banner
Field for governor’s race still in flux
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B1
When gubernatorial candidate Tom Wiggans dropped out of the race this month, it left Kansas Democrats again playing catch-up to presumed GOP nominee U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback.
Monks, tourists, villagers mark tsunami
December 27, 2009 in print edition on A7
Buddhist monks in orange robes chanted on a Thai beach, an Indonesian mother mourned her children at a mass grave, and a man scattered flowers in now-placid waters Saturday to commemorate the 230,000 killed five years ago when a tsunami ripped across Asia.
Afghan policewomen seen as essential to fighting war
December 27, 2009 in print edition on A7
The young Afghan woman leaves home every morning with her face and figure hidden by a burqa. At her office, she dons a police uniform, grabs a pistol and starts knocking in doors, looking for drug dealers and Taliban sympathizers.
Individual leaders have big impact
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B7
The recent deaths of two revolutionaries, one in Iran and one in Russia, are reminders of the impact individuals can have on history, even if they are rejected during their lifetimes. They also bring back memories of my brush with both men during trips to Moscow and Tehran.
History changes with perspective, time
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B7
We know what 1914 means. It means the beginning of World War I. We know what 1938 means. It means appeasement at Munich in the run-up to World War II. We know what 1968 means. It means the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, rioting at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and the election of Richard M. Nixon. But what will 2009 mean?
Tragic joke
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B6
To the editor: If anyone doubts who will benefit from the Senate-passed health care reform bill (actually, health insurance reform bill), just check the meteoric rise in insurance industry stock since the proposal was approved by the Senate a few days ago.
U.S. should support revolution in Iran
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B6
On Tuesday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad did not just reject President Obama’s latest feckless floating nuclear deadline. He spat on it, declaring that Iran “will continue resisting” until the U.S. has gotten rid of its 8,000 nuclear warheads.
Obama should move to the middle
December 27, 2009 in print edition on B6
On the day before Christmas, President Obama found two presents under his tree. One was the health care reform bill passed that morning by the Senate, a historic measure so freighted with promise and problems that it could blow up.
Bankruptcies
December 27, 2009
Douglas County residents or businesses filing for bankruptcy protection during the week ended Thursday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the District of Kansas, according to court records:
RV sales shift out of reverse
Travel vehicles just one positive indicator for economy
December 27, 2009 in print edition on E1
Before housing hit the skids, credit got crunched and the unemployment rate shot into double digits, the market for recreational vehicles started to plummet.
Mortgages
December 27, 2009 in print edition on E1
The Douglas County register of deeds recorded 84 mortgages in the weekly period ended Thursday.
Keep auditors away: earn less than $200K
December 27, 2009 in print edition on E1
Want to keep IRS auditors away? Keep your earnings under $200,000 and they won’t bother you 99 percent of the time.
People in the news
December 27, 2009
Charlie Sheen spent the better part of Christmas Day in a Colorado jail cell after being arrested on domestic violence allegations.
Horoscope for December 27, 2009
December 27, 2009 in print edition on D5
For Sunday, Dec. 27: This year, you experience a flow that is very unique and different. On some level you might think “thank goodness.” Still, encourage yourself to let go of ways that no longer suit you. Let go of them gracefully, and you could be spared a negative event or happening. If you are single, you’ll finally meet someone you can relate to. If you are attached, the two of you might opt to have more romantic dinners, weekends or vacations together. The flames soar once more.
Signs of life: Indoor plants brighten home in winter
December 27, 2009 in print edition on D8
Mid-winter is about the time my gardening hands start getting antsy, and I always end up picking up a few new houseplants to satisfy that gardening itch.
Demand grows for quirky doll
December 27, 2009 in print edition on D8
Quirky fads or unexpected favorites sometimes appear in the world of collecting. Prices go up based on supply and demand, but what creates the demand can be a mystery. Lunchboxes, plastic purses, plastic radios and Beanie Babies are all recent examples.
Take care of your outdoor pet pals this year, too
December 27, 2009 in print edition on D1
I welcomed the first good snow of this season a few weeks ago with open arms. My border collie and I are cold-weather gals. On that early morning, I enjoyed the white from inside the house, while Bailey hustled outside and started rubbing her nose in it, left to right and back again, before diving in and running along like an anteater.
Poet’s Showcase: ‘Holiday Poem, 2009’
December 27, 2009 in print edition on D3
Holiday words: What can I say?