Also from January 2

Births

• Cristy White and Patrick Roberts, Lawrence, a girl.
• Dustin Tregnago and Stacy Bain, Lawrence, a girl.
• Jason and Lisa Grebe, Lawrence, a girl.
• Justin and Carlyle Salb, Lawrence, a girl.
• Greg and Angie Bloom, Lecompton, a boy.

Blog entries

• Heard on the Hill: How the center of the KU campus has moved over 140-plus years
• First Bell: Early results from speech and debate nationals
• Tale of the Tait: FINAL: Red alums top Blue current players, 66-61, at Bill Self basketball camp
• The Lasso: Beer, rock n’ roll, alpacas and more
• Heard on the Hill: Student residents forced out of KU apartment building because of drought-related damage
• Town Talk: City to consider using gated, pay-as-you-leave system for new downtown parking garage
• Eat Your Vegetables: Cooking away the CSA, week 10: The best flourless peanut butter cookies

Obituaries

• Raymond L. Pentlin, Oskaloosa
• Joseph M. Loucks, Lawrence
• Helen M. McBride, Waukee, Iowa
• Mary M. Rothberger, Lawrence
• Phyllis E. Ballew, Baldwin City
• Michael Dean Deutsch, Wilson
• William B. Irwin, Tonganoxie

On the street

• Have you ever given blood?

Photos

Photo galleries

Podcasts

• Spodcasters: KU football and Ryan Greene — what could be better?
• The Morning Rush: Humane Society sees big uptick in abandoned pets

Videos

• The forecast for Saturday, January 3 calls for a high …
• The Big 12 South continues to struggle in post-season play. …
• The Community Blood Center is experiencing a drop in customers …
• The future of the Kansas political landscape has just become …
• A Lawrence boy went to great lengths to make his …
• Tennessee standout forward Wayne Chism will play against the Jayhawks …
• Kansas junior guard Mario Little is available to make his …
• We’re just one day into the new year; are you …
• Police are urging everyone to be on high alert after …
• The Kansas men’s basketball team is getting closer to Big …
• The Tennessee Volunteers arrived in Lawrence Friday afternoon. Saturday’s matchup …
• The Kansas women’s basketball team will take on New Mexico …
• Mild temperatures are expected for the rest of the afternoon. …
• We’ll have a very mild today with highs around 51 …
• A quick guide to using Twitter.

All stories

Kansas women look to take down New Mexico State

By D.J. Whetter

January 2, 2009

The Kansas women’s basketball team will take on New Mexico State on Sunday at Allen Fieldhouse.

Kansas Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson will not run for any political office in 2010

Choice spurs front-runner search to try to retain governor seat

By George Diepenbrock

01:16 p.m., January 2, 2009 Updated 05:42 p.m. in print edition on B1

Democratic Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson announced Friday he would not run for governor or any office in two years, opting instead to return to the private sector.

Lawrence police warn residents to be cautious after two recent robberies

By Jesse Fray

January 2, 2009 in print edition on B1

Lawrence police are warning residents to be aware of their surroundings in the wake of two convenience store robberies in the city during the past two weeks.

Look back to 2008 in photos

January 2, 2009

Journal-World photographers discuss the visual highlights of 2008.

Warrant issued for missing Douglas County Jail inmate

By Jesse Fray

January 2, 2009 in print edition on B1

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a Douglas County Jail inmate who failed to return to the correctional facility after a 12-hour release on Christmas Day.

Loan-contingency clause can help buyers and sellers

January 2, 2009 in print edition on B7

We have had our home on the market for three months, and finally received an offer last week. The contract includes a “loan contingency” clause that says the buyer can cancel the deal if he cannot get a mortgage. This is the first time we have sold a home. Is this type of contingency typical in a real estate deal, or is it some sort of scam?

Ledger’s death voted top 2008 entertainment story

By Jake Coyle - Associated Press Writer

January 2, 2009 in print edition on B6

Heath Ledger’s death was voted 2008’s top entertainment story by U.S. newspaper and broadcast editors surveyed by The Associated Press.

Viagra as a diplomatic tool

By Cal Thomas

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A7

One of the chants to come from the Vietnam anti-war movement was the memorable “make love, not war.” That sentiment has resurfaced in a different but equally stimulating context, thanks to some creative people within U.S. intelligence.

KU football future looks bright

By Dugan Arnett

January 2, 2009

Kansas University’s football players and coaches can’t help but be excited about next season.

Cowboys making wrong headlines

January 2, 2009

Imagine how good the Dallas Cowboys would be if they generated half as many headlines on the field as off.

Outdoor hockey a hit

January 2, 2009

Outside in the elements, the Detroit Red Wings showed they can play the Chicago Blackhawks anywhere, anytime, in any conditions. And still beat them.

Transit changes on fast track

City’s transportation goals also include road building, funding

By Mark Fagan

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A1

And you thought people were impatient waiting for a traffic signal to change, a bus to arrive or a road detour to be lifted — just wait until Kansas University students begin signing leases and Lawrence shoppers start paying higher sales taxes.

Living like the end is near

By Garrison Keillor

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A7

Minnesotans are a humorous people and we are attempting to elect a comedian to the U.S. Senate, which is delicate work, as you might guess. You shouldn’t sweep a comedian into office on a wave of public adulation any more than you should let him win the heroine in the first reel and fly off to Paris and suddenly start ordering meals in fluent French.

Franchise owner attends conference

January 2, 2009 in print edition on B7

Vern McCollough, owner of American Leak Detection Serving Eastern Kansas & Western Missouri, attended the company’s annual conference Nov. 19-22 at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami, with other franchise owners.

Financial focus

A clear focus may be the ticket to financial success in the museum world.

J-W Editorials

January 2, 2009

The National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Mo., must be doing something right. Perhaps Kansas City’s Union Station and even Lawrence’s Watkins Community Museum of History should take some notes.

Marquette stuns No. 15 ’Nova

The Associated Press

January 2, 2009 in print edition on B4

Just before taking the court for the conference opener against No. 15 Villanova, Marquette coach Buzz Williams gave his players a reminder: Their seniors have never started 2-0 in the Big East.

Madoff’s stolen statue returned with ‘lesson’

January 2, 2009 in print edition on C8

Thieves calling themselves “The Educators” have returned a statue stolen from disgraced investment guru Bernie Madoff. And they hope he’s learned his lesson.

Bank of America, Wells Fargo complete huge banking acquisitions

By Harry R. Weber - Associated Press Writer

January 2, 2009 in print edition on B7

Two mega acquisitions in the banking sector have been completed following the biggest financial crisis to hit the United States since the 1930s.

Fort Riley soldier stabbed while at store

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A4

Junction City police say three people are being held without bond after a Fort Riley soldier was stabbed twice in the abdomen on Thursday.

Web site lets women avoid duplication embarrassment by registering dress

By Gillian Gaynair - Associated Press Writer

January 2, 2009 in print edition on C8

Ladies, picture this: You search for weeks before finding the perfect gown for an inaugural ball. You’re thrilled; its silhouette and color are exactly what you had imagined. Then, on the night of the fete, you spot another woman wearing the same dress. Oh, the horror!

Raul Castro marks 50th anniversary of revolution

By Ray Sanchez - Sun Sentinel

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A8

In a brief speech laced with references to ailing and absent brother Fidel, President Raul Castro marked the 50th anniversary of the Cuban revolution Thursday with a warning that America will continue attempts to topple the communist regime.

16th country adopts euro

January 2, 2009 in print edition on C8

Slovak banks did brisk business as they opened on New Year’s Day for a very special occasion — issuing euros to citizens eager to get their hands on the country’s new currency.

3 blasts set off ahead of official’s visit

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A2

Three bombs exploded in India’s restive northeast Thursday, killing at least five people and wounding 50, about an hour before the nation’s top security official arrived in the area.

Virginia Tech slips past Cincinnati, 20-7

The Associated Press

January 2, 2009 in print edition on B3

The opening moments were filled with just about every problem Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer feared his team would have against Cincinnati.

Police probe nightclub fire tragedy

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A2

Grieving families prayed for the spirits of their loved ones today while police probed for the cause of a fire that ravaged a Bangkok nightclub, killing about 60 New Year’s Eve partygoers.

Greeley County, Tribune form unified government

Partnership is the 2nd to form statewide

The Associated Press

January 2, 2009 in print edition on B8

An idea born from a series of community meetings became reality Thursday as the city of Tribune and Greeley County formed a unified government.

Horoscopes

January 2, 2009 in print edition on B6

You have a lot to deal with this year. Put your best foot forward, and you’ll come out ahead. If you are single, you could meet someone in the most unanticipated manner. However, this person could bounce out of your life just as quickly. If you are attached, the two of you develop a new foundation on which to relate. Pisces always seems interested in what you think, feel and do.

U.S. readying Afghan surge

By Jason Straziuso and Rahim Faiez - Associated Press Writers

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A8

Afghanistan’s southern rim, the Taliban’s spiritual birthplace and the country’s most violent region, has for the last two years been the domain of British, Canadian and Dutch soldiers. That’s about to change.

Old Home Town - 25 years ago

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A6

The local Warm Hearts program to aid the needy pay for heating drew more than $81,000. An eventual goal of $100,000 was on the chart but there was little likelihood that would be achieved. In all, there had been nearly 1,800 donors to the cause.

On the record

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A4

Emergency callsLawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical reported no calls Thursday.

Shamed Red Raiders drop SFA

The Associated Press

January 2, 2009 in print edition on B4

Pat Knight knows he can always turn to his famous father to talk about coaching.

Just greedy?

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A6

To the editor: Lately, there has been a lot of pontificating about the level of greed in this country. The focus has been on the moguls on Wall Street. Maybe we should look closer to home. Over the last decade, we here in Lawrence have substantially increased our tax take.

‘Evil’ words: New book examines investigation into 2003 murder in rural Lawrence

By Terry Rombeck

January 2, 2009 in print edition on C1

From the beginning, Angela Wilson was deeply interested in the case. Carmin Ross, a 40-year-old attorney, conflict mediator and peace advocate, was found brutally murdered in her own home. And Wilson, at the time a prosecutor in the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, was the attorney on call when it happened.

Single mom of 3 earns law degree

By Roy Wenzl - The Wichita Eagle

January 2, 2009 in print edition on B5

Latina Alston is not yet 30. She has three children out of wedlock with three fathers, two of whom have not helped much with the kids. She raised the children in poverty all their lives. That’s about to change. Latina’s story goes beyond absent fathers, food stamps and welfare checks. People at the Wichita Bar Association know that of their 1,175 members, only eight are African-American — the newest member being Latina.

Taylor Hicks touring in ‘Grease’

McClatchy Newspapers

January 2, 2009 in print edition on C1

Winning “American Idol” doesn’t guarantee a successful recording career. Taylor Hicks, the 2006 champ, can’t come close to matching the CD sales of either Chris Daughtry or Kellie Pickler, whom TV viewers rejected that season. But the “Idol” title does open doors, and Hicks is proving to be a careerist.

City’s first baby of 2009 showered in gifts

New parents look forward to challenges and joys ahead

By Nick Nelson

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A3

The new year brought a new addition to a local couple. Stacy Bain, of Ness City, gave birth to Alexa Elizabeth Bain at 2:26 p.m. Thursday at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, making her Lawrence’s first baby of 2009.

People in the news

January 2, 2009 in print edition on B6

Microsoft says Zune players working again, while prolific mystery writer Donald Westlake is dead.

Troops enter rebel headquarters

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A2

Sri Lankan soldiers fought their way into the Tamil Tiger rebel capital today for the first time in a decade, military officials said, following months of fierce battles on the outskirts that left scores dead.

Sen. Pell, creator of Pell Grants, dead at 90

January 2, 2009 in print edition on C8

Claiborne Pell, the quirky blueblood who represented blue-collar Rhode Island in the U.S. Senate for 36 years and was the force behind a grant program that has helped tens of millions of Americans attend college, died Thursday after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 90.

Scientists: Comet killed mammoths

By Robert Mitchum - Chicago Tribune

January 2, 2009

First an explosion as powerful as thousands of megatons of TNT rained meteorites down on North America. Then forest fires broke out across the continent, sending up a thick layer of soot and dust that blocked out the sun. A sudden ice age ensued, and some of the Earth’s largest animals went extinct in a blink of geological time.

3 nativity figures stolen from church

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A4

Three life-sized pieces from a Wichita Catholic church’s outdoor nativity scene have been taken.

Sunshine, big crowds greet Rose Parade

By Solvej Schou - Associated Press Writer

January 2, 2009 in print edition on C8

Spectators who claimed their spots for the Rose Parade hours before it began were rewarded Thursday with spangled dancers paying tribute to Broadway, a lush garden wedding flanked by sari-clad models representing India’s Bollywood film industry and a giant robot with a surprise under his hat.

Somali pirates seize Egyptian ship

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A2

Somali pirates seized an Egyptian cargo ship and its 28 crewmembers on Thursday while a Malaysian military helicopter saved an Indian tanker from being hijacked in the new year’s first attacks by pirates in the dangerous Gulf of Aden.

Appearing just

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A6

To the editor: The theory of justice is balance. Its symbol is scales, and we blindfold the lady who holds them. Merit is not measured by the weight of money. From government we want justice; we do not want it sold to the highest bidder. But do we really believe the ideal?

Power & Light firm disputes assessments

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A5

The company that developed Kansas City’s new downtown entertainment district finished off its first full year of operations in the city with a lawsuit over tax assessments.

‘Terminator’ among newly archived films

By Brett Zongker - Associated Press Writer

January 2, 2009 in print edition on C1

One of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most famous one-liners will be back for generations to come, now that 1984’s “The Terminator” has been selected for preservation in the nation’s film archive. The low-budget film directed by James Cameron set a new standard for science-fiction and made Schwarzenegger, now California’s governor, a star.

Stafford ignites Georgia victory

The Associated Press

January 2, 2009 in print edition on B3

Matthew Stafford threw three touchdown passes in the second half, hitting Knowshown Moreno for the clinching score to lead No. 16 Georgia over No. 19 Michigan State, 24-12, Thursday in the Capital One Bowl.

Exploiting nature so mosquitoes die young

By Lauran Neergaard - Associated Press Writer

January 2, 2009 in print edition on C8

Old mosquitoes usually spread disease, so Australian researchers figured out a way to make the pests die younger — naturally, not poisoned.

Russia: Gas dispute won’t hurt Europe

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A8

Russia made good on its threat to cut off all natural gas supplies to Ukraine on Thursday — but the two uneasy neighbors took great pains to make sure their contract dispute would not leave Europe short of gas just as winter set in.

Old Home Town - 40 years ago

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A6

The Kansas Jayhawk Nation was crushed after KU suffered another gut-wrenching defeat in the Orange Bowl on New Year’s Day, this time 15-14 at the hands of Penn State. KU blunted a Nittany Lion two-point conversion try and appeared to have won the game 14-13.

Green Lawrence

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A6

To the editor: OK, here we go into 2009. So what have we accomplished in 2008 here in Larry? Lots of things, but we’ve still got a long way to go. Need a new chancellor. Need street upgrades. Need a new library, or roof. Need new business.

Economy hurts pets, humane society

More owners relinquishing their animals to city shelter

By Mike Belt

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A3

Pet owners are giving up their dogs and cats at a rate the Lawrence Humane Society has never seen before.

Topeka school in desegregation case to be auctioned, starting at $50,000

The Associated Press

January 2, 2009 in print edition on B8

Potential buyers got an opportunity to check out the former all-white Topeka school that the daughter of the lead plaintiff in the historic Brown v. Board of Education desegregation case wanted to attend.

Too cold to go out? Try playing wall football

January 2, 2009 in print edition on C1

Bring the thrill of the gridiron to your living room wall with this pigskin version of Pin the Tail on the Donkey. For the game pieces, first create a goalpost from 2-inch-wide strips of poster board. (The uprights and the crossbar are each 20 inches long, and the post is 6 inches tall.)

Panel urges higher U.S. fuel taxes

Money raised would help fund highways

By Joan Lowy - Associated Press Writer

January 2, 2009 in print edition on B7

A 50 percent increase in gasoline and diesel fuel taxes is being urged by a federal commission to finance highway construction and repair until the government devises another way for motorists to pay for using public roads.

For several months, Santa gunman led 2 lives while plotting killings

By Gillian Flaccus - Associated Press Writer

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A2

Before donning the Santa Claus suit that would deceive his first victim, Bruce Pardo spent months plotting his Christmas Eve massacre behind a mask of friendliness that fooled his neighbors, lawyer and the ex-wife he killed along with eight of her kin.

Disgruntled Aspen ex-resident threatened ‘mass death’

By Kristen Wyatt - Associated Press Writer

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A2

A one-time resident of this city who had been bitter over its transformation into a playground for the rich left four gift-wrapped bombs downtown in a bank-robbery attempt, turning New Year’s Eve celebrations into a mass evacuation, police said Thursday.

73-year-old making a difference

By Foss Farrar - Arkansas City Traveler

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A5

Ellsworth Lolar says he grew up at the Northwest Community Center. “It’s good for the little kids,” he says. It’s good for older kids too, said Lolar, a high school junior who returned to the center recently for family activity night. “It keeps you out of trouble.”

Mysterious stranger invades Las Vegas on ‘Stargate Atlantis’

By Kevin McDonough

January 2, 2009 in print edition on B6

“Stargate Atlantis” (8 p.m., Sci Fi) enters its second-to-last hour with a tale of a vicious killer run amok in America’s gambling Mecca. The slogan “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” never seemed more apt.

Thriving overseas, Simien keeps close tabs on Jayhawks

By Gary Bedore

January 2, 2009

Former Jayhawk Wayne Simien keeps a close eye on the Jayhawks from Spain, where he’s averaging 16.2 points and 8.1 rebounds a game in the country’s top pro basketball league.

Iowa running back Greene headed to draft

The Associated Press

January 2, 2009 in print edition on B3

All-American running back Shonn Greene figures he’s ready for the next level.

Mid-America Business Conditions state-by-state glance

The Associated Press

January 2, 2009 in print edition on B4

The Institute for Supply Management, formerly the Purchasing Management Association, began formally surveying its membership in 1931 to gauge business conditions. The Creighton Economic Forecasting Group uses the same methodology as the national survey to consult supply managers and business leaders. Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss oversees the report.

Israeli strike kills Hamas leader, destroys home

By Ibrahim Barzak and Jason Keyser - Associated Press Writers

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A1

An Israeli warplane dropped a 2,000-pound bomb on the home of one of Hamas’ top five decision-makers Thursday, instantly killing him and 18 others, while the Israeli army said troops massed on the Gaza border were ready for any order to invade.

Illinois Democrats put foibles on display

David Broder - Washington Post Writers Group

January 2, 2009

Opportunism comes in many forms in Illinois politics. Unfortunately for the reputation of my home state, the nation is learning about all of them. Thanks to the court-approved wiretaps released last month, we heard evidence that Gov. Rod Blagojevich saw the election of Barack Obama as an opportunity to extract a juicy payment for himself — cash or a cushy job — in return for the appointment to Obama’s Senate seat.

Internet users all atwitter in ’08

Micro-blogging tool among newest fads of Web last year

By Alex Parker

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A3

Are you an RSS fiend? Addicted to Google? Do your friends and family want to hold an intervention to wean you off the Web? You might be part of the Twitterati, a population held hostage by its keyboard.

Firms invest in worker health

Wellness programs add care options

By Karrey Britt

January 2, 2009 in print edition on A1

One of the biggest challenges facing employers is that employees believe they are already engaging in healthy behaviors and may not see the need for change, according to the Hewitt Associates 2008 annual health care survey.