Archive for Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Also from June 24

Births
Obituaries
On the street
Photo galleries
Renovation work continues at Allen Fieldhouse
Podcasts
Polls
How much do you care about politicians' personal lives?

Poll results

Response Percent
I care little because what they do in their personal life is their business
 
 45%
I care a lot because what they do in their personal life impacts their public life.
 
 29%
I care somewhat.
 
 22%
Not sure.
 
 2%
Total 785
Videos

Lead stories

12:00 a.m.
Buildings sit empty in downtown Eudora between 714 and 724 Main St. Eudora downtown improvements don’t produce desired results
By David Oakes
June 22, 2009 in print edition on 3A
The $1.4 million spent on improvements to Eudora’s Main Street was supposed to lead to more foot traffic and a more attractive setting that might attract businesses.
6:00 a.m.
Keeping cool Tuesday was no problem for Checkers Foods employee Brett Anderson, 17, who donned a hooded sweatshirt to stock items in the 35-degree dairy case. Temperatures outside were another story, with heat index values in the triple digits. Today is expected to be a scorcher as well. Heat advisory upgraded to Excessive Heat Warning until 7 p.m. Thursday
7:37 a.m., June 23, 2009 Updated 1:04 p.m.
Because extremely hot, humid conditions are expected to persist for four consecutive days — through Thursday — the National Weather Service has upgraded the heat advisory that had been in effect for Lawrence and surrounding areas to an Excessive Heat Warning.
6:00 a.m.
Keeping cool Tuesday was no problem for Checkers Foods employee Brett Anderson, 17, who donned a hooded sweatshirt to stock items in the 35-degree dairy case. Temperatures outside were another story, with heat index values in the triple digits. Today is expected to be a scorcher as well. Residents get creative in finding relief from the scorching heat
By Annalise Flynn
3:01 p.m., June 23, 2009 Updated 5:39 a.m. in print edition on 1A
The city pool, the frozen-food section of a grocery store, a shade tree and a “beer cave” might seem unrelated, but Lawrence residents are seeking refuge in those places as they try to escape the sticky summer heat.
10:00 a.m.
A cyclist passes by a dead armadillo in the middle of County Road 458, just west of U.S. Highway 59, Tuesday. Armadillos are not common to this part of Kansas. Armadillos venturing northward — and upward
By Mark Fagan
June 24, 2009 in print edition on 1A
Turns out an armadillo’s natural defenses don’t stand up all that well to cars, trucks and SUVs. A suit of armor doesn’t do much good when you jump up to three times your height while standing in the middle of the road.
2:00 p.m.
An overview of Kansas University. KU submits new tuition proposal, but officials aren’t talking
By Scott Rothschild
June 23, 2009 in print edition on 1A
Kansas University has submitted a new tuition proposal, but officials on Tuesday refused to release any information about it.

All stories

No one injured in boating emergency at Clinton Lake
By Mark Boyle
June 24, 2009
Emergency crews were called to boaters in distress at Clinton Lake shortly after 6:45 p.m. Wednesday.
Charities use technology to benefit
By Janet Reid
June 24, 2009
Food banks are making it easier to donate via online forms.
Kids strut their stuff at football camp
By D.J. Whetter
June 24, 2009
It’s kids’ camp season at city high schools.
Police surround south Lawrence mobile home
By Asher Fusco & Janet Reid
09:49 p.m., June 24, 2009 Updated 05:05 a.m. in print edition on A4
A man broke a window on one mobile home then refused to respond to requests to come out of another unit, police say.
KU freshman Elijah Johnson undergoes knee scope
Las Vegas PG to miss 2-to-3 weeks of pick-up action
J-W Staff Reports
06:54 p.m., June 24, 2009 Updated 12:00 a.m.
KU freshman Elijah Johnson had arthroscopic knee surgery Tuesday in Lawrence.
Regents may expand auditing of state universities
Regents to weigh audits of schools’ sports programs
By Scott Rothschild
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A3
State higher education officials may be ready to implement a regular schedule of auditing state universities after the recent audit of Kansas State University revealed several questionable financial transactions.
Local farmers bringing in a bumper crop of lavender
‘It’s a great aroma … and it’s a great place to be’
By Lindsey Slater
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A1
While purple isn’t exactly a welcome hue in Lawrence, the Washington Creek Lavender farm is filled with almost 5,000 plants just that color.
Douglas County commissioners interviewing familiar faces for appraiser’s job
By George Diepenbrock
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A5
Douglas County commissioners Wednesday afternoon were talking with two familiar faces during their search for the next county appraiser.
Severe thunderstorm watch expires
LJWorld.com staff reports
04:39 p.m., June 24, 2009 Updated 08:56 p.m.
The severe thunderstorm warning for Douglas and Jefferson counties has been canceled due to the weakening of the storm in the area. The watch remains in effect until 11 p.m.
Summer Band Concert moved to Murphy Hall because of severe weather
By Jonathan Kealing
June 24, 2009
Despite the heat, the City of Lawrence Summer Band Concert will go on as scheduled tonight, Duane Peterson of the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department said, but it will move inside because of severe weather.
Lawrence high schools left off list of top high schools in Kansas
By Lindsey Slater
June 24, 2009
The top ranked high school in Kansas according to a list released by Newsweek is Sumner Academy in Kansas City, Kan. It came is as the 109th best high school in the United States.
Progress being made on LHS, Free State fields
New fields at Lawrence, Free State high schools should be finished by Aug. 15
By Lindsey Slater
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A3
The rain last week turned to a summer heat wave, but that hasn’t deterred work on the new high school athletic fields.
Downtown Christmas parade looking for sponsor, volunteers
Event loses funding, volunteers after CornerBank ends sponsorship
By Chad Lawhorn
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A5
Area residents are being asked to think of the Downtown Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade — and not just because the thought of it may cool you down during these 100-degree days.
New center to offer care to people with Alzheimer’s
By Mark Fagan
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B7
A Nebraska company plans to start construction in August on a new center for Alzheimer’s care in western Lawrence.
Kansas minimum wage hike takes effect next Wednesday
Associated Press
June 24, 2009
After more than two decades of struggle, the Kansas minimum wage is finally getting a boost where it no longer will be the nation’s lowest.
Regents agree to discuss changes to audit policies
By Scott Rothschild
June 24, 2009
The Kansas Board of Regents will discuss its audit policy on Thursday.
Douglas County commissioners aiming for less spending and a flat mill levy
But leaders say cost-saving measures helped
By George Diepenbrock
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A1
Less spending and a flat mill levy compared with last year. That’s where the Douglas County Commission will start its 2010 budget discussions next week.
Snake in substation in north Lawrence causes power failure
By Nick Nelson
05:25 a.m., June 24, 2009 Updated 10:14 a.m.
Power restored to all customers by 6:35 a.m.
Two arrested after one threatens the other with hammer
By Nick Nelson
June 24, 2009
Two men were arrested early Wednesday morning after an altercation involving three people on the 1100 block of Tennessee Street. Lawrence police were dispatched at 1:21 a.m. Wednesday after a male and female were involved in a domestic dispute.
Motorcyclist hits deer, transported to LMH with minor injuries
By Nick Nelson
June 24, 2009
A motorcyclist struck a deer at Iowa Street and Terrace Road around midnight Wednesday. Lawrence Fire & Medical transported the driver by ground ambulance to Lawrence Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.
Fresh spinach delicious sautéed
By Susan Krumm
June 24, 2009 in print edition on C1
How do you sauté fresh spinach?
Quigley’s crash course
Senior leans on mom’s support in transition to LB
By Dugan Arnett
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B1
Not long ago, as he sat slouched in a chair in the Parrott Athletic Center on the Kansas University campus, Angus Quigley was talking about his mom.
Computer failure may have caused D.C. Metro train crash
By Sarah Karush and Brian Westley - Associated Press Writers
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A2
Investigators looking into the deadly crash of two Metro transit trains focused Tuesday on why a computerized system failed to halt an oncoming train, even though there is evidence that the operator tried to slow it down.
Union man a KU fan
By Tom Keegan
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B1
Nowhere in the stories written about Donald Fehr’s decision to step down as executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association did it say that one of his assistants has very definite opinions on Danielle McCray’s game and how Aishah Sutherland’s athleticism helped the Kansas University women’s basketball team.
Obama takes on insurers
By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar and Erica Werner - Associated Press Writers
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A6
President Barack Obama on Tuesday squared off with the insurance lobby over industry charges that a government health plan he backs would dismantle the employer coverage Americans have relied on for a half-century and overtake the system.
Market to market: Exchange program brings Japanese farmers to Lawrence
By Sarah Henning
June 24, 2009 in print edition on C1
By definition, foods labeled “organic” should be similar in certain ways — as in foods produced without conventional pesticides, antibiotics and chemicals, among other criteria.
New state health clearinghouse hired
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B9
Kansas has hired a new contractor, Denver-based Policy Studies Inc., to process applications for Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. PSI will assume responsibility for the clearinghouse operation from MAXIMUS in January, according to the Kansas Health Policy Authority.
Tricks ensure perfect grilled chicken
McClatchy Newspapers
June 24, 2009 in print edition on C2
When cook and chicken meet at the grill, there’s no guarantee the end result will be a steaming platter of fall-off-the-bone barbecued bird.
KU’s Robinson embracing life on the hill
By Andrew Baker
June 24, 2009
The regular season is five months away, but for KU freshman Thomas Robinson, it’s never too early to get your feet wet.
Kebabs stretch meat into full meal
The Associated Press
June 24, 2009 in print edition on C1
Grilled skewers of marinated meat and vegetables make a savory treat for a barbecue.
KU track and field athletes to compete at USA championships
J-W Staff Reports
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B5
Nine Kansas track & field athletes will be competing this week at the 2009 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships and the USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships Thursday through Saturday in Eugene, Ore.
Lawrence aiming for world’s largest workout
By Maggie Hull
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B1
Inspired by the ever-growing popularity of Red Dog’s Dog Days, a small group of local health and business leaders working together on a new initiative called LiveWell Lawrence came up with a novel idea: What if Lawrence could set a world record for the largest community workout?
Texas evens College World Series
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B2
Freshman Taylor Jungmann limited LSU to five hits in his first complete game, and Russell Moldenhauer hit his record-tying fourth home run of the College World Series as Texas evened the best-of-three finals, 5-1, over LSU on Tuesday night.
Chiefs sign kicker Succop
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B2
The Kansas City Chiefs have signed kicker Ryan Succop, one of the team’s three seventh-round draft picks. Succop, taken with the 256th overall pick in last month’s NFL Draft, played 50 games in four seasons at South Carolina, hitting 71 percent of his field goals with a long of 55 yards. He hit 66 percent his senior season and converted all 30 of his PATs.
K.C.’s Crisp out for season
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B2
Royals center fielder Coco Crisp will have season-ending surgery on his right shoulder on Wednesday. Crisp, who has been on the disabled list since June 14, will have surgery to repair a torn labrum. The operation will be performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala.
Fehr will be remembered as villain
By Bryan Burwell - St. Louis Post-Dispatch
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B2
When Donald Fehr first came into baseball more than a quarter of a century ago, he was the sort of labor attorney who could have gone through his entire professional life without creating so much as a ripple. But as he prepares to walk away from his position as the leader of the most powerful players association in American professional sports, Fehr’s impact is both immense and unmistakable.
Armadillos venturing northward — and upward
By Mark Fagan
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A1
Turns out an armadillo’s natural defenses don’t stand up all that well to cars, trucks and SUVs. A suit of armor doesn’t do much good when you jump up to three times your height while standing in the middle of the road.
Crackdown mutes protests in Iran
By William J. Kole - Associated Press Writer
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A10
Overwhelmed by police and left with limited alternatives, Iranian demonstrators resorted Tuesday to more subtle ways of challenging the outcome of the presidential election: holding up posters, shouting from rooftops and turning on car headlights.
County confirms 3rd case of swine flu
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A7
A third case of swine flu has been confirmed in Douglas County. This case involves a child, while the previous ones involved adults.
Free produce offered
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A7
Ballard Community Center, 708 Elm St., will distribute free fresh produce today for people in need starting at 11 a.m. and running until 5 p.m. — or until the produce runs out. The produce will be provided by Harvesters, a Kansas City, Mo.-based food pantry, as part of its Mobile Food Pantry program.
Regents to consider fewer instructional days
Staff Reports
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A7
Students at Kansas University and other state public universities may spend fewer days in class under a proposal before the state Board of Regents. KU has submitted a plan to reduce the number of instructional days to 146 days per academic year.
KDHE grants help lighten load for Douglas County health clinics
By Karrey Britt
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A3
Three Douglas County health clinics that provide care for low-income, uninsured residents recently received $331,704 in state grant money. And the executive directors were relieved, considering the economy.
Safety concerns prompt shelter to limit occupancy
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A5
As a heat wave settles over the city, the community’s lone homeless shelter will start turning away about 20 people per night after city regulators expressed fire safety concerns about the building. The executive director of the Lawrence Community Shelter confirmed Tuesday night that the shelter will stop allowing the homeless to sleep in its basement, at 10th and Kentucky streets, after city officials said they believed it was an unsafe situation.
Hearing scheduled in attempted murder case
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A5
A judge will hear evidence in July in the case of a Lawrence man accused of trying to kill his ex-wife with a baseball bat. Arthur Davis III, 60, appeared in a Douglas County courtroom Tuesday afternoon with his lawyer.
Report: Kim makes son head of spy agency
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A2
North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has put his youngest son in charge of the country’s spy agency as a prelude to handing him control of the communist regime, a news report said Wednesday.
9/11 sculpture embroiled in alleged fraud scheme
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A2
A towering sculpture in the Maryland mountains depicting three New York City firefighters raising the U.S. flag at ground zero was financed by investor fraud, federal regulators say.
Madoff seeks 12-year sentence
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A2
Bernard Madoff’s lawyer has told a judge scheduled to sentence the disgraced financier next week that 12 years in prison will be sufficient punishment for the man who swindled tens of billions of investors’ dollars in one of history’s biggest frauds.
Gates asks Gulf leaders for more help
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A2
Defense Secretary Robert Gates urged military leaders from the Persian Gulf region to help with security and development of Afghanistan, saying there is only a “fleeting opportunity” now to turn the stalemated war around.
Distraught woman sues, alleging N.J. helped child of rape find her
By Jason Nark - Philadelphia Daily News
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A6
Reunions of adopted children and their birth parents are usually heartwarming moments in which tears flow and broken bonds are made whole in mere seconds. At least that’s how it usually plays out on “Oprah.”
Wind energy companies test waters
By Renee Schoof - McClatchy Newspapers
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A6
The federal government on Tuesday issued its first exploratory leases for wind energy projects on the Outer Continental Shelf, the first step of what could be a race to harness the powerful Atlantic winds not far from major population centers on the East Coast.
K.C. snaps five-game losing streak
The Associated Press
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B1
Kansas City Royals manager Trey Hillman didn’t think Zack Greinke had his best stuff on Tuesday.
Official: Detainee trials could limit other cases
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A2
A top New York anti-terror official said Tuesday that trials of Guantanamo Bay detainees could weaken the ability of the FBI and other agencies to chase new cases. Richard Falkenrath, a New York Police Department official who was a homeland security expert in the Bush administration, said high-profile terrorism trials in the U.S. could reduce the number of agents available to pursue new investigations.
‘Crisis city’ gets test during drill
By John Milburn - Associated Press Writer
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B10
Everything that could go wrong will go wrong at Crisis City. A domestic terrorist sets off an explosion on a railroad line, causing a derailment. A propane tank catches fire and explodes into a nearby building, causing it to collapse.
On the record
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A4
A Douglas County District Court judge has determined there is enough evidence for a Lawrence woman to stand trial on charges of raping her 4-year-old son.
TV show helps lost boy survive in woods
By Elizabeth White - Associated Press Writer
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A2
When he realized he’d been separated from his family on a weekend hike in a northern Utah forest, 9-year-old Grayson Wynne’s thoughts turned to television. Grayson watches “Man vs. Wild” on the Discovery Channel every week with his brothers and his dad. On the show, host and adventurer Bear Grylls strands himself in the wilderness and then shows viewers how to survive the sticky situations.
Deal reached on U.S. air base use
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A10
The former Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan tentatively approved a deal on Tuesday that should allow the U.S. to continue shipping military hardware and troops crucial to operations in Afghanistan through an air base in the Central Asian state.
N. Korean cargo ship could test new sanctions
By Hyung-jin Kim - Associated Press Writer
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A10
An American destroyer tailed a North Korean ship Tuesday as it sailed along China’s coast, U.S. officials said, amid concerns the vessel is carrying illicit arms destined for Myanmar. The sailing sets up the first test of a new U.N. Security Council resolution that authorizes member states to inspect North Korean vessels suspected of carrying banned weapons or materials.
KU’s Powers in playoff for match play spot
J-W Staff Reports
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B5
Kansas University senior-to-be Emily Powers shot a 78 on Tuesday and her two-round total of 152 put her in a playoff for the final spots of match play at the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links Golf Championship.
Commodities
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B9
Chicago Board of Trade: Agriculture futures were higher Tuesday on the Chicago Board of Trade. Wheat for July delivery inched up 0.75 cent to $5.4675, while July corn jumped 3.75 cents to $3.89 and July oats gained 4.5 cents to $2.08. Soybeans for July delivery surged 27.5 cents to $11.79.
Parkinson reappoints local resident to council
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B9
To promote the cultural and recreational opportunities in Kansas, Gov. Mark Parkinson has appointed and reappointed several Kansans to state boards and commissions. John Rolfe, Wichita, has been appointed to the Kansas Council on Travel and Tourism. Rolfe is the president and CEO of the Greater Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau and is a former deputy secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce.
Pediatricians adding W. Lawrence office
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B9
Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine is adding a satellite office in western Lawrence. The new office, at 4824 Quail Crest Place, opens next Wednesday.
Poll: Americans consider pets family
By Megan K. Scott - Associated Press Writer
June 24, 2009 in print edition on C10
Susan Jacobs and her companion Kingston both like chicken and collards, chilling on the couch and riding in her convertible with the breeze tussling his curly black hair. Kingston, it should be said, is a black poodle. But for Jacobs, 45, of Long Beach, Calif., he is like a child.
Women look away more from abnormal babies
By Lauran Neergaard - Associated Press Writer
June 24, 2009 in print edition on C10
Puzzling new research suggests women have a harder time than men looking at babies with facial birth defects. It’s a surprise finding. Psychiatrists from the Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital, who were studying perceptions of beauty, had expected women to spend more time than men cooing over pictures of extra-cute babies. Nope. Instead, the small study being published Wednesday raises more questions than it can answer.
Will viewers feel charitable toward ‘The Philanthropist’?
By Kevin McDonough
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B8
Proof that the road to ratings hell is paved with good intentions, NBC presents “The Philanthropist” (9 p.m., NBC) during the summer silly season. It’s an odd time to trot out a globe-spanning yarn about a cynical tycoon-turned-do-gooder. Rest assured, “The Philanthropist” couldn’t find an audience in the dead of winter, either.
Gazprom is king of the hill in Russian region
June 24, 2009 in print edition on C10
Coming soon to the stunning snowcapped peaks of southern Siberia — probably the world’s highest billboard. Leaders in the remote Russian region of Altai want to name one of the region’s tallest mountains in honor of Gazprom, the state-run natural gas monopoly and corporate behemoth.
S.C. governor to return to work after mystery trip
By Jim Davenport - Associated Press Writer
June 24, 2009 in print edition on C10
After a political mystery — “Where in the World is South Carolina’s Governor?” — Mark Sanford’s aides said he was stunned by all the fuss over his five-day absence and would cut short a secretive hike along the Appalachian Trail.
World’s 65 and older population to triple by 2050
By Hope Yen - Associated Press Writer
June 24, 2009 in print edition on C10
The world’s 65-and-older population will triple by mid-century to 1 in 6 people, leaving the U.S. and other nations struggling to support the elderly. The number of senior citizens has already jumped 23 percent since 2000 to 516 million, according to census estimates released on Tuesday.
Shooting for the best digital camera
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B9
Four camera brands perform better than others, model to model and year after year, across a wide range of prices, according to Consumer Reports’ analysis of such trends among point-and-shoot brands it regularly tests. Those standouts: Canon, Casio, Panasonic and Samsung. By contrast, Olympus has been the brand least likely to be a top performer.
Midwest home sales post decline
Wichita, K.C. among cities with bigger drops
By David Twiddy - Associated Press Writer
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B9
First-time homebuyers continued to help buoy sales of previously occupied homes in the Midwest last month but not enough to offset continued concern over the unstable economy, according to two reports released Tuesday.
McMahon perfected sidekick
Hollywood icon dies at 86
By Lynn Elber - Associated Press Writer
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B8
When Johnny Carson ruled as king of late-night TV, Ed McMahon was the prince of second bananas. McMahon’s great talent as Carson’s “Tonight Show” sidekick was reacting to his every joke, every double-take and every skit as if he’d never heard or seen anything funnier.
Horoscopes
June 24, 2009 in print edition on B8
For Wednesday, June 24: This year, tap into solutions through research and focused imagination. Once you have arrived at the right or appropriate path, assume a leadership role. No one can do exactly what you want except for you. If you are single, others find you to be radiant and magnetic. If you are attached, the only way to win a power play is not to play.
School priorities
Nancy Rinehart - Baldwin City
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A8
To the editor: Loading social programs onto our schools has become critically burdensome to the goals of academic education. In Baldwin City, the school board should be commended for cutting the school resource officer while saving the jobs of several teachers. Instead, they’ve been criticized in a Baldwin City Signal editorial.
More for less
The upward march of university tuition in Kansas is likely to continue.
J-W Editorials
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A8
It looks like incoming freshmen at Kansas University will be paying more and getting less next year. In a May proposal, KU officials asked the Kansas Board of Regents to allow it to raise tuition for Kansas residents by 5.3 percent.
Protests will have lasting impact in Iran
By Trudy Rubin
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A8
The drama in Iran marks a turning point in Middle East history — precisely because the United States has chosen, so far, not to intervene. The Republican politicians charging President Obama with failing to defend Iranian “freedom” have totally missed the significance of what happened last week in Tehran.
Money not a school cure-all
By Cal Thomas
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A8
Some people have certain presumptions — for example, that government is better suited to handling problems than individuals or private entities. And then there are the accompanying assumptions that government, for those who have faith in its supposedly superior capabilities, will always produce the desired outcome.
LMH breast center gets new look
By Mark Boyle
June 24, 2009
The breast center at Lawrence Memorial Hospital has received a makeover.
Pump patrol
June 24, 2009 in print edition on A3
The Journal-World found gas prices as low as $2.45 at several locations. If you find a lower price, call Pump Patrol at 832-7154.
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