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Archive for Sunday, July 5, 2009

Lead stories

12:00 a.m.
In 2008, the U.S. imported $3.4 million worth of American flags. The vast majority of this amount ($3.0 million) was for U.S. flags made in China. Facts about the Fourth
July 4, 2009 in print edition on 1C
The Fourth of July is all about numbers. After all, there aren’t that many holidays named after a number to begin with. And then there are other numbers — how many beers you have at the lake, how much your kids want to spend on fireworks, etc.
6:00 a.m.
People sit in Constant Park downtown to watch the 2009 annual fireworks display put on the Lawrence Jaycees. Lawrence booms with festivities
July 5, 2009 in print edition on 1A
Many in the crowd at Watson Park on Saturday night were happy to see the Fourth of July celebration move back to Lawrence’s downtown.
6:03 a.m.
Andrew Stull, environmental health specialist for Lawrence and Douglas County, makes a routine inspection recently at the Pita Pit in downtown Lawrence. Restaurant inspector stresses education
July 5, 2009 in print edition on 1A
Andrew Stull walks into a downtown Lawrence restaurant. He looks like an ordinary customer dressed in khaki pants, brown shoes and a green-and-white striped shirt. But he’s not.
2:00 p.m.
Lawrence couple Jessica and Jay Pryor have a laugh after dinner Tuesday on the back porch of their Lawrence home. Jay, who is a female-to-male transsexual, left Kansas 10 years ago as a woman who had fought for sexual orientation to be added to the city’s anti-discrimination policy. Now Jay is back in Lawrence speaking out as a transsexual fighting for gender identity status to be added to the city’s policy. Couple speak out on transgender issues
July 5, 2009 in print edition on 1B
A lot has changed for Jay Pryor between the time he moved from Lawrence in 1999 until moving back in 2007.
6:00 p.m.
David Hejduk, Overland Park, celebrates his win at the finish line of the Men's 40+ and 50+ race during Downtown Criterium events of the Tour of Lawrence Saturday, July 4, 2009. Mass St. momentum
July 5, 2009 in print edition on 1B
Lawrence residents didn’t have to look far for an interesting way to spend their Fourth of July this year. The Tour of Lawrence cycling event took over downtown Lawrence once again with the Tour of Lawrence Criterium on Saturday.

All stories

Three detained after Sunday nightclub shooting
03:16 a.m., July 5, 2009 Updated 07:01 a.m.
According to a media release, Lawrence police have detained three suspects in connection with a shooting at 821 Club.
Two arrested after south Lawrence altercation, foot chase
July 5, 2009
Two 19-year-old men were arrested Sunday morning after an altercation ended in a foot chase.
Shooting in Douglas County sends Eudora man to hospital, suspect turns gun on himself
12:00 a.m., July 5, 2009 Updated 12:18 p.m. in print edition on A3
A Saturday night altercation in southeast Douglas County sent one man to the hospital and left another man, who police believe was the shooter, dead.
Random evidence of a cluttered mind
July 5, 2009 in print edition on C2
Random musings from around the world of sports.
Tour de France off and rolling
July 5, 2009
The 2009 Tour de France began Saturday in Monaco.
Boomer Girl Diary: Fireworks love has fizzled
July 5, 2009
It’s official, folks. I have become a fireworks fogey.
Survey rates 5 counties on transit satisfaction
July 5, 2009 in print edition on B1
When it comes to both street maintenance and traffic flow on major roads and highways, Douglas County residents are more unhappy than their neighbors, according to a survey conducted for the Kansas Department of Transportation.
Cities offer space for Gitmo inmates
July 5, 2009 in print edition on E10
Once the nation’s most secure prison, the federal lockup in southern Illinois has housed everyone from spies to a Colombian druglord to dapper mob boss John Gotti.
House Democrats still need GOP
July 5, 2009 in print edition on B6
Now that the Minnesota Supreme Court has ended the long count on the 2008 Senate race by awarding the seat to Al Franken, Democrats — at least on paper — have the power to pass whatever bills they want, without a single Republican vote.
Jest for Grins: A new commandment: Thou shalt not camp
July 5, 2009 in print edition on D4
If God had given Moses an 11th commandment, I’m convinced it would have been: “Thou Shalt Not Camp!”
‘Hard to ignore’ serious themes on Paisley CD
July 5, 2009 in print edition on D6
As much as he enjoys singing about the double lives of computer geeks (“Online”) and amorous country boys (“Ticks”), Brad Paisley says there’s too much going on in the world to be too lighthearted on his new album, “American Saturday Night.”
State works on online inspection postings
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A6
The Kansas Department of Agriculture oversees about 16,600 food operations, which includes 10,000 restaurants, 600 food processors and 40 ice cream trucks.
Restaurant inspector stresses education
Assuring public’s safety is top concern in assessing food handling practices
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A1
Andrew Stull walks into a downtown Lawrence restaurant. He looks like an ordinary customer dressed in khaki pants, brown shoes and a green-and-white striped shirt. But he’s not.
Mark’s on the Move: Drum assignment beats the band
July 5, 2009 in print edition on B3
Last October, Patrick McCarty of the Lawrence High School Marching Band tested my musical ability for the first time.
Lawrence woman life-flighted after rollover accident
12:00 a.m., July 5, 2009 Updated 10:05 p.m. in print edition on B2
A Lawrence woman was transported Saturday evening to a hospital by air ambulance after a one-vehicle rollover accident southwest of Lawrence.
When will KU go retro?
July 5, 2009 in print edition on C1
Pro baseball teams do it. So do pro football teams. Why not college football teams, too?
Lawrence booms with festivities
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A1
Many in the crowd at Watson Park on Saturday night were happy to see the Fourth of July celebration move back to Lawrence’s downtown.
Behind the Lens: Cameras can come in handy for more than just pictures
July 5, 2009
Now that most cell phones have cameras, and many models of point-and-shoot cameras are pocket-size, many people are carrying one or the other throughout their day.
Mass St. momentum
Tour’s 1-mile circuit weaves through downtown
July 5, 2009 in print edition on B1
Lawrence residents didn’t have to look far for an interesting way to spend their Fourth of July this year. The Tour of Lawrence cycling event took over downtown Lawrence once again with the Tour of Lawrence Criterium on Saturday.
Callaspo’s bat leads Royals over White Sox
Second baseman’s errors temporarily pushed aside with 2-for-3 day at the plate
July 5, 2009 in print edition on C1
Alberto Callaspo dressed quickly and raced out of the ballpark to meet his wife at the airport.
In economic downturn, dating sees uptick
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A1
Credit the recession for staycations and bringing us more game-night parties at home. But also give it a shout for spurring more first dates.
4-year-old boy dies in forklift accident
July 5, 2009 in print edition on B2
A 4-year-old boy has died in a forklift accident near the northwest Kansas town of Colby.
Explosive devices found with body
July 5, 2009 in print edition on B2
Authorities are investigating after explosive devices and a man’s body were found inside the same Kansas City, Kan., home.
Wheel genius: Road work this week
July 5, 2009 in print edition on B3
Among major road projects scheduled in the area for the coming week:
Naismith repaving work to include video connections
July 5, 2009 in print edition on B1
One of the busiest streets in Lawrence during some of the most heated nights of winter soon could get some help cooling drivers’ frustrations.
1999 murder case won’t settle
Floyd Bledsoe has been convicted, released, and ordered back to prison
July 5, 2009 in print edition on B1
Floyd Bledsoe has been convicted, released, and ordered back to prison
Attack on U.S. base kills 2 soldiers
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A2
Insurgents armed with rockets, mortars and a truck bomb staged an unusual frontal attack on a U.S. base in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday, killing two American soldiers and forcing the defenders to call in airstrikes to avoid being overrun.
Opposition leader called U.S. agent
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A2
A top aide to Iran’s all-powerful leader has accused the country’s main opposition leader of being an American agent who should be tried for treason, increasing the pressure on reformists disputing the outcome of last month’s presidential election.
Movement grows to shut down shark tours
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A2
Shark tours have become a popular visitor attraction in Hawaii, but a movement is gaining momentum to shut them down.
Megachurch pastor addresses Muslims
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A2
Evangelical megachurch pastor Rick Warren says the country’s largest Islamic organization showed courage when it invited him to speak at its annual convention.
Woman accused of al-Qaida ties
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A2
Newly filed court records reveal evidence regarding the life of a U.S.-trained scientist accused of being an al-Qaida operative.
Owners of day care center charged in fire
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A2
Federal prosecutors in Mexico say they have obtained nine arrest warrants for the owners and legal representatives of a day care center where a fire killed 48 children.
Skyscrapers find new luster in green tech
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A2
When owners of the Empire State Building decided to blanket its facade this year with thousands of insulating windows, they were only partly interested in saving energy.
Police in Michigan protect — and serve — doughnuts for community
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A2
“Cops & Doughnuts” is more than a punchline. It’s now a bakery in Michigan — owned by nine full-time employees of the Clare Police Department.
Missiles show North Korea’s skills improving, analysts say
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A2
North Korea’s weekend missile launches show the communist country is improving its capability and accuracy and are a cause for concern, officials said today.
Organization’s efforts to return Honduras’ ousted president fall short
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A3
The Organization of American States secretary general says his efforts to return Manuel Zelaya to the presidency in Honduras have failed.
Statue of Liberty Crown reopens
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A3
Erica Breder, a first-generation American, stood mesmerized inside the Statue of Liberty’s crown. On the floor beside Breder was her … boyfriend?
July worst month for child car deaths
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A3
Three-year-old Andres Sierra died five years ago, July 15. His father, Dr. Dennis Sierra, of Parkland, Fla., stopped by his office, got caught up in work and forgot his son was in the car. Three hours later he found him, dead.
Officials punished after babies taken
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A3
Chinese authorities have punished six government officials after three baby girls whose parents were still alive were sent to an orphanage in southern China that subsequently put them up for adoption overseas, state media and an official said.
Teen confirmed as apparent serial killer’s 5th victim
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A3
A teenage girl shot while helping her father in their family’s small furniture and appliance store died Saturday, becoming the fifth victim of a suspected serial killer terrorizing a small South Carolina community, authorities said.
Couple speak out on transgender issues
July 5, 2009 in print edition on B1
A lot has changed for Jay Pryor between the time he moved from Lawrence in 1999 until moving back in 2007.
Colleges, GI Bill focus on veterans
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A7
With a fattened GI Bill covering full tuition and more, the number of veterans attending college this fall is expected to jump 30 percent from last year to nearly half a million.
A new crop of farmer
Census: More than 1 in every 10 U.S. farms is run by a woman
July 5, 2009 in print edition on E1
Women are increasingly turning to farming on their own.
Towns nationwide grapple with presence of illegal sticker ads
July 5, 2009 in print edition on E10
Roll up to an intersection in many places and the sign you see might not only tell you to stop, yield or turn in a certain direction, it might also feature unwanted ads for a taco joint, surf shop, miracle diet, a political candidate, or urge tourists to go home.
National Archives begins search for missing items
July 5, 2009 in print edition on E10
National Archives visitors know they’ll find the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights in the main building’s magnificent rotunda in Washington.
California Regulators warn against cancerous capacity of pot
July 5, 2009 in print edition on E10
It might take Californians a puff or two to get their heads around an apparent contradiction recently enshrined in state law.
Raiders pushed back to 1 a.m.
July 5, 2009 in print edition on C3
The Lawrence Raiders legion baseball team had their game against Joplin (Mo.) in the Glen Winget Tournament delayed because of wet grounds Saturday. The Raiders were scheduled to play the game at 1 a.m. today.
Kansas National Guard soldiers preparing for deployment in Egypt
July 5, 2009 in print edition on B8
About 425 members of the Kansas National Guard based in Clay Center are preparing to deploy to Egypt.
Smaller Kansas racetracks face uncertain future
July 5, 2009 in print edition on B8
Two small-town Kansas racetracks face an uncertain future with the loss of simulcasting revenue after two larger tracks closed.
Ex-Beatles, Rolling Stones manager Klein dies
July 5, 2009 in print edition on D5
Music manager Allen Klein, a no-holds-barred businessman who bulldozed his way into and out of deals with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, died Saturday, a publicist for his company said.
Horoscopes
July 5, 2009 in print edition on D5
For Sunday, July 5. This year, others count on you being a trouper, and always pitching in. Make it OK to say “no,” as you might have other interests and need to follow your own drummer. You seem to be just plain lucky with partners. You could make a lot of money, and spend a lot too. Use caution. Your creativity seems unlimited when you hook up with someone else. In 2010, your imagination will wander to even more creative ideas. Travel could play a role too. If you are single, you probably will have to work to stay that way. If you are attached, once more you see the power of being a duo. Plan on taking a second honeymoon
Europeans detail drawbacks of state-run health care
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A4
As President Barack Obama pushes to overhaul the American health care system, the role of government is at the heart of the debate.
U.S. Senate Democrats weigh fragile 60-vote supermajority
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A4
Congress returns for its midsummer session Monday with a Senate supermajority not super enough for President Barack Obama’s top priorities to pass without Republican support.
Air McNair found dead in Nashville
Former NFL QB Steve McNair shot and killed at age 36
July 5, 2009
Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair was found dead in Nashville on Saturday.
Lab slated for Kansas still needs federal permission
July 5, 2009 in print edition on B4
Kansas state officials have agreed to give the Homeland Security Department land for a national lab to research deadly germs, but the Justice Department noted last week that the agency still needs permission and money from Congress to build the facility.
Obama embarks on mission to reshape U.S. image
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A4
Determined to change the way the world views the United States, Barack Obama is onto his next foreign mission: rebuilding relations with Russia, proving to global leaders that America is serious about climate change, and outlining his vision for Africa, his father’s birthplace.
Serena tops big sis for Wimbledon title
July 5, 2009
Serena Williams defeated sister Venus Williams at Wimbledon on Saturday.
Tiller murder suspect advocates ‘justifiable killing’ via mail from jail
July 5, 2009 in print edition on B4
A man charged with shooting a prominent Kansas doctor who performed late-term abortions has been advocating through mailings from his jail cell that such killings are justifiable and communicating with individuals on the fringes of the anti-abortion movement, weeks after suggesting others might be planning similar attacks.
Palin links her resignation to ‘higher calling’
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A5
Outgoing Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin on Saturday laid the groundwork to take on a larger, national role after leaving state government, citing a “higher calling” with the aim of uniting the country along conservative lines.
Bush draws thousands in Oklahoma
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A8
Former President George W. Bush was greeted by thunderous applause on the Fourth of July as he told thousands of spectators in a rural Oklahoma rodeo arena that the U.S. was “the greatest nation on the face of the earth.”
Obama warns of ‘difficult days’ for Iraq
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A8
President Barack Obama warned on Saturday “there will be difficult days ahead” in Iraq and said the U.S. will remain a strong partner to Iraq for its security.
Californian chews out rivals with record 68 hot dogs
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A8
Joey Chestnut chomped down a record 68 hot dogs, capturing his third straight July Fourth hot-dog eating contest at Coney Island, an annual showcase for flamboyant hot dogging contestants eager to show they really are what they eat.
New York’s July 4 boasts biggest U.S. fireworks show
July 5, 2009 in print edition on A8
Fireworks lit the night sky above New York with a kaleidoscope of colors shooting 1,000 feet into the air on an Independence Day that began with the Statue of Liberty’s crown opening to the public for the first time since Sept. 11, 2001.
He made a decision, not ‘a mistake’
July 5, 2009 in print edition on B7
Next time some politician goes before the cameras with his figurative pants down around his metaphoric ankles and says, “I made a mistake,” let’s form a mob and drag him from the podium.
Engagement with Iran on indefinite hold
July 5, 2009 in print edition on B7
Now that Iran has officially confirmed its tainted election outcome, President Obama must reconsider how to deal with the regime.
U.S. women had own fight for freedom
July 5, 2009 in print edition on B7
We mark this weekend the signing in Philadelphia of the Declaration of Independence, which was conceived in 1776 as a list of particulars but swiftly became a promissory note.
U.S. must restore faith in monetary system
July 5, 2009 in print edition on B6
Money is the root of all evil. But, according to Niall Ferguson in “The Ascent of Money,” it’s also the “root of most progress.
Move over!
A new law restricting traffic in the left lane of multilane highways is a welcome change for Kansas drivers.
July 5, 2009 in print edition on B6
Chalk one up for the battle against road rage.
Review Susie Boyt offers fresh take on fandom and fantasy
July 5, 2009 in print edition on D3
Many a celebrity biographer is really a rabid fan hiding behind reams of research, smothering the reader in unprocessed minutiae. It’s refreshing then that Susie Boyt — novelist, daughter of Lucian Freud, great-granddaughter of Sigmund and Judy Garland fan extraordinaire — doesn’t disguise her ardor for the leather-lunged one in a mass of production notes, concert dates, etc.
Best-sellers
July 5, 2009 in print edition on D3
A list of best-selling books.
A new reign: Lawrence landmark the Castle Tea Room open again after extensive renovations
July 5, 2009 in print edition on D1
Those who attended events or had a meal at the Castle Tea Room years ago might not recognize the inside of the building today.
Kovel’s Antiques: Figurines feature founding fathers
July 5, 2009 in print edition on D8
Before there were photographs and television, some of the best likenesses of important people were created by makers of ceramics.
Garden Calendar: Pet project
July 5, 2009 in print edition on D8
In Pam Heikes’ East Lawrence yard, a 50-pound Samoyed husky named Sage spends her free time among a beautiful array of trees, shrubs and flowers.
Castle Tea Room offered good first job for former Lawrence resident
July 5, 2009
The year was 1947 when my father, professor E.S. Gray, died instantly from a massive heart attack at our home on Barker Street.
Book examines worries
July 5, 2009
Worry.
‘Twitterature’ sums up classic books
July 5, 2009
Did you struggle to make it past page 20 of “Moby Dick”?
Materials take the ‘lug’ out of luggage
July 5, 2009 in print edition on D6
Travelers have no interest in lugging their luggage anymore.
Pack smart for a good trip
July 5, 2009 in print edition on D6
What’s worse than lugging a heavy bag to your summer vacation spot, only to pop it open and find it filled with too many of all the wrong things?
Poet’s Showcase: My vision of soul?
July 5, 2009 in print edition on D3
Weekly poet’s showcase.
Lifetime battle: From FDR to Obama, a fight for health care
July 5, 2009 in print edition on D3
As Congress takes on President Obama’s call for overhauling health care, the desire for change will be tested — by the expense, by politics, by resistance and by the general fear by some of “socialized medicine.”