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Archive for Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Also from February 17

Audio clips
Births
Blog entries
Obituaries
On the street
Photos
Photo galleries
Preschoolers at Prairie Park Nature Center Law enforcement gathering The day in photos, Feb. 17, 2009
Podcasts
Polls
A Kansas Senate committee is considering a bill to allow people to walk around with an alcoholic beverage at festivals and other special events. Do you support this bill?

Poll results

Response Percent
Yes
 
 74%
No
 
 21%
Not sure
 
 3%
Total 839
If the state can't pay its workers on Friday, will you show up to work?

Poll results

Response Percent
No
 
 41%
Yes
 
 35%
I work in the private sector
 
 23%
Total 623
Videos

Lead stories

12:00 a.m.
Virginia Musser, left, and Tricia Spencer, members of the Lawrence-based band The Prairie Acre, practice at Mike West Recording Studio, 618 W. Fourth St. Musser’s daughter, Kellar, 5 months, sleeps while Spencer’s daughter, Ruby Yother, 1, takes in the music. At right is banjo player Noah Musser. Below, Spencer straps in her daughter before practice. Oh, baby!: Lawrence moms combine parenting, music skills on stage
By Courtney Servaes
February 16, 2009
When people spot the baby on Tricia Spencer’s back, they often point and smile. Spencer, fiddle in hand, just continues playing. And when they notice her bandmate Virginia Musser is carting a baby on her back, too, she just laughs and carries on.
6:00 a.m.
The dome of the Kansas Statehouse in downtown Topeka is reflected off the windows of a nearby building. State suspends paying income tax refunds, may miss payroll as budget tightens
By Scott Rothschild
1:39 p.m., February 16, 2009 Updated 5:46 p.m. in print edition on 1A
State employees may not get paid this week after Republican legislative leaders blocked an inter-governmental loan on Monday, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said.
10:00 a.m.
City Commission candidates, from left, Dennis Constance, Aron Cromwell and Lance Johnson participate in a public forum Monday at City Hall. City candidates, public get acquainted at forum
By Chad Lawhorn
February 17, 2009 in print edition on 3A
A clear scorecard began to emerge on growth and development issues following the first candidate forum for Lawrence City Commission hopefuls Monday. A trio of candidates believe the city is overbuilt and is traveling down the wrong economic development path. A pair of candidates said the city wasn’t doing enough to attract new businesses. And two others fell somewhere in the middle.
2:00 p.m.
Crew Foreman Thor Shriver of Ames Construction Inc. of Aurora, Colo., oversees the burning of trees that were cleared Monday to make way for the new U.S. Highway 59 construction at Pleasant Grove between Lawrence and Ottawa. Residents south of Lawrence upset about smoke from burning trees
By Mike Belt
February 16, 2009 in print edition on 3A
Some Pleasant Grove area residents are tired of having smoke blown in their faces.
6:00 p.m.
“Self Portrait,” by Jenny Aucott of Free State, Best of Show winner. Native talent: Lawrence students dominate Kansas art contest
By Terry Rombeck
February 17, 2009 in print edition on 1C
Lawrence high school students dominated competition in this year’s “Kansans … As Talented as you Think” art competition organized by the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas.

All stories

Getting green one song at a time
By Lindsey Slater
February 17, 2009
Kids at Corpus Christi Catholic School find it’s easy to be green.
Recent study finds men more likely to become alcoholics
By Kristen Holmes
February 17, 2009
Casual drinking may lead to something more serious. A study released this month shines a light on the risks of alcohol abuse, especially among those with a “Y” chromosome. The report says men are twice more likely than women to be susceptible to the disease.
Charges filed in what was first called attempted murder
Suspect now faces charges for criminal discharge of a firearm
By Jesse Fray
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A3
Prosecutors charged an 18-year-old Lawrence man with criminal discharge of a firearm Tuesday.
2 suspects arrested in spate of mail thefts
By George Diepenbrock
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A3
Postal authorities say two suspects related to a wide range of recent mail thefts in northeastern Kansas and Missouri are now in custody in Missouri.
Workers installing crosswalk signals at Lawrence Arts Center
By Mark Fagan
February 17, 2009
Folks heading to and from the Lawrence Arts Center soon will be able to stop traffic with the push of a button.
KU football to hold open practices
J-W Staff Reports
February 17, 2009 in print edition on B4
The Kansas University football team will hold two spring practices open to the public, on March 11 and March 27.
Obama signs stimulus legislation
The Associated Press
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A1
President Barack Obama on Tuesday signed a massive $787 billion package to revive the economy, saying the measure represented the “essential work of keeping the American dream alive in our time.”
Senate passes bill banning smoking statewide; doctor says move bodes well for cancer center designation
By Scott Rothschild
04:01 p.m., February 17, 2009 Updated 04:13 p.m. in print edition on A3
A bill that would ban smoking in most public places in Kansas could help in the effort to attain national designation for the Kansas University Cancer Center.
Governor wants to spend some stimulus money to expand healthcare for children
Associated Press
February 17, 2009
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius says the state should use a small part of its federal stimulus money to expand health coverage for children.
KC Democrat considering run for governor in 2010
Associated Press
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A3
Democratic Sen. Chris Steineger says he’s thinking about running for governor next year.
Legality of proposed ordinance on churches sheltering homeless families being questioned
By Chad Lawhorn
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A1
If city commissioners want to support a program that allows churches to serve as temporary shelters for homeless families, they likely will have to open the door for other types of homeless shelters to locate in neighborhoods as well.
President to send 17,000 more troops to Afghanistan
By Anne Gearan and Jennifer Loven - Associated Press Writers
03:06 p.m., February 17, 2009 Updated 12:31 a.m. in print edition on A7
President Barack Obama approved adding some 17,000 U.S. troops for the flagging war in Afghanistan, his first significant move to change the course of a conflict that his closest military advisers have warned the United States is not winning.
Budget impasse appears over; state employees to receive paychecks
By Scott Rothschild
02:38 p.m., February 17, 2009 Updated 08:07 p.m. in print edition on A1
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Tuesday signed a deficit reduction bill that Republican legislative leaders wanted, and those GOP leaders dropped their objections to inter-government borrowing to pay state workers on time this week.
KSU’s Clemente suspended for tonight’s game
J-W Staff Reports
02:37 p.m., February 17, 2009 Updated 02:40 p.m.
Kansas State guard Denis Clemente has been suspended one game by KSU coach Frank Martin for Clemente’s actions against Kansas in Saturday’s game at Manhattan. Clemente will serve his suspension during tonight’s home game against North Carolina Central.
Proposed law would allow Kansans to receive wine shipments directly from wineries
Associated Press
February 17, 2009
Kansans could have wine delivered directly to them by a winery under a bill considered by the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee.
State considering changing laws on open containers at festivals
Associated Press
February 17, 2009
A Senate committee considers a bill to allow people to walk around with an alcoholic beverage at festivals and other special events.
Nearly 10,000 KU employees — almost half students — spend tense two days
By Jesse Fray
12:14 p.m., February 17, 2009 Updated 05:24 p.m.
If state leaders don’t get their acts together, Kansas University workers will be without $9 million in their pocketbooks at the end of the week, university officials said Tuesday.
Veterinary research firm moving to Lawrence
By Mark Fagan
11:06 a.m., February 17, 2009 Updated 02:17 p.m. in print edition on B6
A startup veterinary research company working to reduce the severity of a disorder that afflicts performance horses is relocating its corporate headquarters and operations to Lawrence from New York.
Senate Republicans deliver budget bill, ask for State Finance Council meeting
Sebelius hammers Republicans over government funding
By Scott Rothschild
10:04 a.m., February 17, 2009 Updated 12:45 p.m.
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Republican legislative leaders remained at odds Tuesday over how to solve a cash-flow problem that has delayed tax refunds and could jeopardize state employee paychecks, school funding and Medicaid payments.
Big 12 teams scrambling for postseason position
The Associated Press
February 17, 2009 in print edition on B1
The Big 12 Conference had six teams get into the NCAA Tournament a year ago, including eventual national champion Kansas University and regional finalist Texas. Matching that number this year could prove to be difficult.
Child takes eating cues from parents
Jodi Mailander Farrell/McClatchy Newspapers
February 17, 2009 in print edition on C1
Parents play a key role in shaping young eating habits and attitudes about food, nutritionists say.
Parent dreading empty-nest syndrome
Wes Crenshaw and Kelly Kelin
February 17, 2009 in print edition on C1
Dear Dr. Wes & Kelly: I am a mom with a senior who is leaving for college in the fall.
‘Buy American’ clause may spur retaliation
By Andres Oppenheimer
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A7
The conventional wisdom is that the “Buy American” provision that the U.S. Congress passed Friday has been diluted enough to avoid a trade war like the one that led to the Great Depression. Well, I’m not that sure.
Farmers still weighing crop options
Even with careful calculations, planting is a gamble
By Christine Metz
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A1
Twelve months ago, Overbrook farmer Bernie Faust watched as corn prices started taking off and didn’t stop climbing until they reached an astounding $8 a bushel. “It’s what I called a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make some of the best money you could make,” Faust said. What a difference a year can make.
Wildfire suspect named as toll hits 189
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A2
The only person accused of lighting one of Australia’s deadly wildfires was a lonely Web-surfer who liked dogs, always said “G’day” to neighbors, and was trying to find love online.
Deliberations to resume in student slaying case
February 17, 2009 in print edition on B8
A jury deciding the fate of a Kansas man convicted of killing a 19-year-old student will resume deliberations today. The panel in Cowley County District Court went home Monday after noon after spending about three hours discussing whether Justin Thurber should be put to death or spend life in prison.
Brewery celebrates 20th anniversary
February 17, 2009 in print edition on B7
Free State Brewery, 636 Mass., is celebrating its 20th anniversary this week, in part by donating the proceeds of today’s sales to the Social Service League of Lawrence. The league, the oldest service organization in Lawrence, operates a thrift store at 905 R.I.
Old favorites stand test of time at toy fair
By Karen Matthews - Associated Press Writer
February 17, 2009 in print edition on B7
Barbie is turning 50, Legos are going digital and Razor is making girly pink scooters with tasseled handlebars. From building blocks to computer imaging systems, new takes on toys are being displayed at the American International Toy Fair this week as manufacturers hope to appeal to budget-conscious consumers.
Cancer treatment being tailored to tumor’s genes
By Lauran Neergaard - Associated Press Writer
February 17, 2009 in print edition on C10
The days of one-size-fits-all cancer treatment are numbered: A rush of new research is pointing the way to tailor chemotherapy and other care to what’s written in your tumor’s genes. Everyone with advanced colon cancer now is supposed to get a genetic test before taking two of the leading treatments.
Diet Cookbooks heavy on calorie counts
The Associated Press
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A1
It’s not just fast food restaurants that have Supersized the way Americans eat — cookbooks share the blame. So-called portion distortion, the trend of eating larger and larger servings, is as much a problem with recipes as it is restaurants, and has been going on even longer, a study published this week in the Annals of Internal Medicine found.
What’s news today Newest U.S. troops on ground in dangerous region near Kabul
By Jason Straziuso - Associated Press Writer
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A2
Close to 3,000 American soldiers who recently arrived in Afghanistan to secure two violent provinces near Kabul have begun operations in the field and already are seeing combat, the unit’s spokesman said Monday.
KU grad writes basketball ‘scrapbook’
By Terry Rombeck
February 17, 2009 in print edition on C1
Longtime sports writer Ken Davis, a 1980 Kansas University graduate in journalism, always thought his first book would be about basketball.
On the record
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A4
Fire investigators haven’t determined the cause of a Friday afternoon fire that totaled a Lawrence musician’s mobile home, Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical Division Chief Rob Kort said Monday.
‘Made in the USA’ still meaningful
By Stephen Manning - Associated Press Writer
February 17, 2009 in print edition on B7
It may seem like the country that used to make everything is on the brink of making nothing. In January, 207,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs vanished in the largest one-month drop since October 1982. Factory activity is hovering at a 28-year low. Even before the recession, plants were hemorrhaging work to foreign competitors with cheap labor.
Jersey Mike’s raises funds for charity
February 17, 2009 in print edition on B7
Jersey Mike’s Subs is launching a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Thousands of coupons will be distributed in Lawrence throughout the month of February entitling customers to a free regular sub at Jersey Mike’s, 1601 W. 23rd St., when they bring in the coupon and make a $1 donation to the charity.
Job cuts increasing ranks of homeless in Japan
The Associated Press
February 17, 2009 in print edition on C10
In corporate Japan, losing your job can mean losing your home as well. As major companies cut their workforces in the economic downturn, many Japanese workers are finding themselves out on the street because they have to move out of company-run dormitories.
Torture boss goes on trial for genocide
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A2
A notorious torture center boss went before Cambodia’s genocide tribunal today for its first trial over the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million people at the hands of the Khmer Rouge regime more than three decades ago.
UConn’s No. 1 run done
No. 4 Pitt claims rugged 76-68 win
The Associated Press
February 17, 2009 in print edition on B4
It wasn’t just a game between No. 1 and No. 4. It was a game between two of the Big East’s most physical teams. And it was played just the way it was expected to be. “That was the most physical game I ever played in my entire life,” DeJuan Blair after getting 22 points and 23 rebounds in No. 4 Pittsburgh’s 76-68 victory over No. 1 Connecticut on Monday night, the Panthers’ first win over a top-ranked team.
IRS aims to balance service, enforcement
Michell Singletary - The Washington Post
February 17, 2009 in print edition on B7
With a budget deficit projected to top a trillion dollars this year, IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman may start feeling some pressure. After all, it’s the job of the IRS to collect the money that finances most government operations and public services. Quite naturally, one would think there will be increased demand to collect every penny that taxpayers owe.
What works? Tax cuts or government spending?
By Harry G. Shaffer
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A7
Today our government basically follows the policies advocated by the famous 20th century economist John Maynard Keynes. In simple words, Keynes believed that the capitalist free market system should be left alone as long as it works but that the government should step in whenever it doesn’t. A hundred thousand houses are an asset for any nation, Keynes wrote, but a million unemployed are a liability. So, when we need houses and have unemployed, why not let them build the houses, even if the government has to hire them to do so?
Kids’ cholesterol study reassuring, doctors say
February 17, 2009 in print edition on C10
Fewer than 1 percent of American teens are likely to need cholesterol drugs, says a new study that offers some reassuring news on the childhood obesity front.
Sources: UAW, GM make progress in talks
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A2
With a government-imposed deadline for its restructuring plan just a day away, General Motors Corp. was making progress Monday in concession talks with debtholders and its main union, but deals may not come until after the deadline passes, according to people briefed on the situation.
Snapping photos of bobbies now off-limits
February 17, 2009 in print edition on C10
Tourists better think twice now before snapping pictures of the iconic British bobby. A new British anti-terrorism law went into effect Monday that could effectively bar photographers from taking pictures of police or military personnel — a move that prompted some 200 photographers to protest outside of Scotland Yard’s headquarters.
Old faces settling in new places
The Associated Press
February 17, 2009 in print edition on B2
Trevor Hoffman, Pat Burrell and Raul Ibanez are among the players finding their way at spring training with new teams.
A&M hammers ’Horns
The Associated Press
February 17, 2009
Texas A&M beat Texas, 81-66, to snap a three-game losing streak.
KU women’s golf team in 12th place at Invite
J-W Staff Reports
February 17, 2009 in print edition on B3
The Kansas University women’s golf team wrapped up its first two rounds at the Central District Invitational Monday.
California Lawmakers fail to pass budget — by 1 vote
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A2
California lawmakers were stymied Monday in their frustrating search for one more vote to approve a $42 billion budget-balancing plan state leaders say is needed to stave off fiscal disaster.
Bill would increase cockfighting penalties
February 17, 2009 in print edition on B8
The Senate Judiciary Committee has been told that increased penalties for cockfighting would help deter the sport in Kansas. The committee was told Monday that Kansas is a magnet for the cockfighting. That’s because while it’s a felony in surrounding states, it’s a misdemeanor in Kansas.
British, French nuclear subs collide in Atlantic
February 17, 2009 in print edition on C10
Nuclear submarines from Britain and France collided deep in the Atlantic Ocean this month, authorities said Monday in the first acknowledgment of a highly unusual accident that one expert called the gravest in nearly a decade.
KU cancels Wheat State Tour
By Andy Hyland
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A1
When John Kennedy, a Kansas University political science assistant professor, moved to Lawrence, he couldn’t understand his students who found the city overwhelming. That is until Kennedy, who is originally from Los Angeles, went on an annual Wheat State Whirlwind Tour, which hauls anywhere from 40 to 50 faculty and staff members along more than 1,000 miles of roadway to see the rural part of the state.
Clinton warns N. Korea against missile launch
By Matthew Lee - Associated Press Writer
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A6
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says a possible missile launch hinted at by North Korea should not be carried out. Clinton, in Japan on her first trip abroad as President Barack Obama’s chief diplomat, said today that such a launch would hurt relations.
State parks lose inmate labor
The Associated Press
February 17, 2009 in print edition on B8
The closing of three rural Kansas correctional facilities to save money is causing state parks to lose inmate labor they’ve used for years. Some of the parks have depended on the labor for more than 40 years and lack the budget to hire workers to replace the inmates.
U.S. reverses policy, calls for treaty on mercury reduction
By Tom Maliti - Associated Press Writer
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A2
Nairobi, Kenya — The Obama administration reversed years of U.S. policy Monday by calling for a treaty to cut mercury pollution, which it described as the world’s gravest chemical problem. Some 6,000 tons of mercury enter the environment each year, about a third generated by power stations and coal fires.
Despite vow, Bush secrets defended
By Michael J. Sniffen - Associated Press Writer
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A8
Despite President Barack Obama’s vow to open government more than ever, the Justice Department is defending Bush administration decisions to keep secret many documents about domestic wiretapping, data collection on travelers and U.S. citizens, and interrogation of suspected terrorists.
Coach, an LHS grad, makes way for Obama
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A5
Lawrence High School graduate Tyler Dumas, who is preparing his high school girls basketball team for the Arizona state tournament, has been run out of his own Dobson High School gym in Mesa, Ariz., for three days of practice. But he’s not complaining.
Horoscopes
February 17, 2009 in print edition on B6
This year, know what you want. You have the drive, personality and energy to make your goals realities. Verbalize your desires, and use others’ suggestions to make them a reality. If you are single and you want a dynamic relationship, it is yours to have. If you are attached, let your significant other bathe in your good will.
Education trust
Some shift of higher education power from the Kansas Legislature to the Kansas Board of Regents is justified, but the regents must measure up.
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A7
Given recent declines in state financial support for state universities, it makes a certain amount of sense to give university leaders and the Kansas Board of Regents more autonomy in dealing with policy and financial issues facing those schools.
How real are the ‘Real Housewives’?
Kevin McDonough
February 17, 2009 in print edition on B6
Once upon a “Dick Cavett Show,” in a mean and memorable line resulting from a long and vicious literary feud, Mary McCarthy said of Lillian Hellman, “Every word she writes is a lie, including ‘and’ and ‘the.’”
Hallmark moves work from Topeka to Asia
February 17, 2009 in print edition on B7
Hallmark Cards Inc. is moving a subsidiary’s card production from its Topeka Production Center to Asia to take advantage of cheaper paper costs. No jobs are being lost, and the change is for a one-year project, representatives at Hallmark’s main office in Kansas City, Mo., said.
Native talent: Lawrence students dominate Kansas art contest
By Terry Rombeck
February 17, 2009 in print edition on C1
Lawrence high school students dominated competition in this year’s “Kansans … As Talented as you Think” art competition organized by the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas.
More two-parent families are finding themselves homeless
By Chris L. Jenkins - The Washington Post
February 17, 2009 in print edition on C10
Robert Polight leaned over an electric pot in a corner of Room 27 at the Breezeway Motel, stirring the sauce for his family’s favorite dinner: spaghetti. He strained the noodles in the room’s cramped bathroom sink.
Guillen reports in better shape
The Associated Press
February 17, 2009 in print edition on B1
Kansas City Royals right fielder Jose Guillen is looking to have a better start to 2009 than he had last season.
After prison, ex-inmates hope for help
By Tamara Lush - Associated Press Writer
February 17, 2009 in print edition on C10
Ex-convict Vikki Hankins had the misfortune of being freed from prison during the worst recession since the Great Depression. While serving an 18-year sentence for a nonviolent federal drug conviction, she was assured of taxpayer-funded food and shelter.
Budget crisis on minds of school candidates
By Lindsey Slater
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A5
The seven candidates for the Lawrence school board talked over potential budget cuts, finances and the future of programs at a public forum Monday night. The questions ranged from what programs they would cut in the budget crisis to charter schools to sports and the arts.
City candidates, public get acquainted at forum
By Chad Lawhorn
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A3
A clear scorecard began to emerge on growth and development issues following the first candidate forum for Lawrence City Commission hopefuls Monday. A trio of candidates believe the city is overbuilt and is traveling down the wrong economic development path. A pair of candidates said the city wasn’t doing enough to attract new businesses. And two others fell somewhere in the middle.
Pump patrol
February 17, 2009 in print edition on A3
The Journal-World found gas prices as low as $1.74 at Wood Oil Co., 920 N. Second St. If you find a lower price, call Pump Patrol at 832-7154.
Phelps won’t face drug charges
Sheriff has bong but no confession to using pot
The Associated Press
February 17, 2009
A South Carolina sheriff said he won’t pursue charges against Michael Phelps.
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