LJWorld.com

Also from March 21

Audio clips

• Dayton coach Brian Gregory
• KU players Cole Aldrich, Tyrel Reed and Sherron Collins

Births

• Matt and Leila Jacobs, Lawrence, a girl.
• Jennifer and Jimmy Decker, Lawrence, a boy.

Couples

• Engagement: Thorpe and Gabriel
• Engagement: Sparks and Cummins
• Engagement: Brubaker and Haas
• Engagement: Smith
• Engagement: Atwell and Casas

Obituaries

• Shawn Lee Fowler, Perry
• Bobby Lee Pulley, Tonganoxie

On the street

• How is your NCAA bracket doing?

Photos

View all of this day's photos (51)

Photo galleries

Podcasts

• Press Conferences & Post-Game Interviews: Dayton coach Brian Gregory
• Press Conferences & Post-Game Interviews: KU center Cole Aldrich
• Press Conferences & Post-Game Interviews: KU guard Sherron Collins
• Press Conferences & Post-Game Interviews: KU coach Bill Self

Videos

• The Kansas University men’s basketball team took on a pro-Bison …
• The Kansas men’s basketball team spent Saturday gearing up for …
• Members of the Lawrence Fruit Tree Project spent Saturday morning …

All stories

Officer transported to hospital after foot chase

By Brian Lewis-Jones

03:21 a.m., March 21, 2009 Updated 04:14 a.m.

A Lawrence police officer suffered injuries while chasing an erratic driver who ditched his car and fled from police on foot. The officer was transported to Lawrence Memorial Hospital about 1:30 a.m. Saturday for a hand injury, Sgt. Ted Bordman said. “We’re going to have it X-rayed,” Bordman said. “He’s got some road rash from a fall that he took. The left side of his body is pretty scratched up.”

Soaps and sobs for a Saturday

By Kevin McDonough

March 21, 2009 in print edition on D7

Proof that one person’s “heartwarming” can be another’s emotional pornography can be found on “The Locator” (8 p.m., today, WE), now entering its second season. Troy Dunn has made a career of reconnecting families torn apart by bad divorces and noncommunication.

People in the news

March 21, 2009 in print edition on D7

• DeGeneres offered spot on O magazine cover • Rock Hall presenters to include Eminem, Page

Family, friends gather at private viewing for Natasha Richardson

By Mesfin Fekadu - Associated Press Writer

March 21, 2009 in print edition on D7

Liam Neeson looked distraught but grateful for the outpouring of sympathy as he greeted grieving family members and friends who attended a private viewing for wife Natasha Richardson on Friday. Neeson was the last to leave the viewing at the Upper East Side’s American Irish Historical Society, where he was joined by the couple’s sons, — Micheal, 13, and Daniel, 12 — as well as Richardson’s mother, Vanessa Redgrave, and sister, Joely Richardson.

Horoscopes

March 21, 2009 in print edition on D7

This year, you make waves, especially if you remain open to networking and making new friends. Establish your goals early on, and you will have time to reach them. If you are single, a friendship could evolve to more this year. If you are attached, the two of you will love hanging together more often.

First lady, students break ground on White House garden

By Jane Black - The Washington Post

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A5

With the help of local elementary school students, Michelle Obama on Friday broke ground for a White House garden and initiated a public campaign to help Americans better understand where their food comes from. On the sunny but chilly first day of spring, Obama joined about 25 fifth-graders from Bancroft Elementary School on the South Lawn at three picnic tables set with baskets of apples and thermoses of hot cider.

U.S. Navy submarine, ship collide

By Reem Khalifa - Associated Press Writer

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A5

Two U.S. Navy vessels — a nuclear-powered submarine and an amphibious ship — collided before dawn Friday in the mouth of the Persian Gulf, one of the world’s most important sea passages for oil supplies. There was no damage to the sub’s nuclear propulsion system and no disruption to shipping in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil passes, said Navy spokesman Lt. Nate Christensen, with the Bahrain-based 5th Fleet.

K-State falls to San Diego State in NIT

Associated Press

March 21, 2009 in print edition on C7

Kyle Spain scored 16 points, and Richie Williams added 14 as the pair keyed a second-half surge to lead San Diego State to a 70-52 victory over Kansas State in the second round of the NIT on Friday night.

Endangered Iberian lynx cubs born

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A6

Three Iberian lynx cubs have been born in a nature reserve in southern Spain, officials said Friday. The Iberian lynx is the world’s most endangered cat, and the cubs were part of a breeding program in Andalusia’s Donana National Park, the Environment Ministry said in a statement.

Young inventors take over Smithsonian

By David Coffey - McClatchy Newspapers

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B6

A capital rite of spring — the swarming of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History by tourists — took on a new dimension Friday when scores of award-winning young inventors set up their works in the museum’s lobby.

NCAA is Big Ten’s chance to shine

Associated Press

March 21, 2009 in print edition on C2

Ohio State was the only Big Ten women’s team consistently ranked in the national polls this season, one clear sign that this league of late has been lagging behind the country’s other power conferences.

Watney keeps on rolling

March 21, 2009 in print edition on C2

Nick Watney is playing so well that he doesn’t even realize it.

Death sentence given for college student’s slaying

Associated Press

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B8

A judge on Friday followed a jury’s recommendation and sentenced an Arkansas City man to death for killing a college student more than two years ago. Justin Thurber did not say anything or show any emotion as Cowley County District Judge Jim Pringle announced the sentence, which a jury had recommended last month after finding Thurber guilty of capital murder in the January 2007 death of 19-year-old Jodi Sanderholm.

On the record

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B2

• Lawrence police arrested a 22-year-old Lawrence man on charges of aggravated assault Friday afternoon. • The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 41-year-old Wichita man Friday on charges of kidnapping and aggravated robbery. • An 18-year-old Lawrence man complained of minor injuries after crashing a car into a house north of the city Thursday night, authorities said.

Charity cautions of possible scam

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B2

The United Way of the Plains is warning the public to be wary of a possible fundraising scam. The charity said Friday that it has received reports that an individual was going door-to-door asking for cash donations for the United Way. But the release said the United Way of the Plains doesn’t authorize collecting money door-to-door.

Dune buggy maker powers up business

By Clara Kilbourn - The Hutchinson News

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B2

Andrea Girk settled into the driver’s seat of her new purple dune buggy, snapped the removable steering wheel into place and called herself a happy woman. A scrub tech at Western Plains Regional Medical Center in Dodge City and May 2008 graduate of Hutchinson Community College, Girk is on her second buggy.

Iraqi budget woes force security hiring freeze

By Kim Gamel - Associated Press Writer

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A3

The drop in oil prices has forced Iraq’s military and police to put recruiting on hold even as the U.S. hands over more responsibility for protecting the country. The freeze is stalling efforts to hire Sunni ex-insurgents and has prompted the Iraqi military to transfer hundreds of soldiers to the navy to protect vital oil installations in the Persian Gulf.

Tensions rise between Chavez, foes

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A3

A move to arrest a prominent opposition leader sent thousands of anti-government protesters into the streets of the country’s second-largest city Friday, accusing President Hugo Chavez of launching a new attack against his critics.

Firebirds rally to win

By Jesse Temple

March 21, 2009 in print edition on C8

Ryan Scott seemed non-committal about which aspect of baseball he liked more — the pitching part or the hitting part.

Holloway’s dad sends search dog to Aruba

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A3

Natalee Holloway’s father flew a search dog and handler to Aruba to search for the missing teen’s body on Friday, although prosecutors said they have no new leads in the case. Ann Angela, a spokeswoman for the Aruba Prosecutors’ Office, said the dog is searching a small reservoir in northwestern Aruba that witnesses have previously identified as a location where Holloway’s remains might be found.

Lions drop opener in Oklahoma

J-W Staff Reports

March 21, 2009 in print edition on C8

The Lawrence High baseball team dropped its season-opener, 11-8, to Edmond (Okla.) Santa Fe on Friday.

Post office offering early retirement

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A3

Battered by the economy, the post office is offering early retirement to 150,000 workers, cutting management and closing offices, the agency said Friday. The Postal Service lost $2.8 billion last year and is facing even larger losses this year, despite a rate increase — to 44 cents for first-class mail — scheduled to take effect May 11.

4 soldiers killed in Afghanistan bombings

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A3

Four Canadian soldiers were killed and eight others were injured Friday in two separate bombings in Afghanistan, Canada’s top general in the country said. It was one of the deadliest days for Canada since its Afghan mission started in 2002.

KU tennis drops match

J-W Staff Reports

March 21, 2009 in print edition on C8

Julie Svistun and Maria Martinez pulled out wins in singles action, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the No. 60 Colorado Buffaloes as the Kansas University tennis team fell, 5-2, Friday at First Serve Tennis Center.

Toxic assets rescue for banks near completion

By Martin Crutsinger - Associated Press Writer

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A3

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner could announce as soon as Monday his much-anticipated plan to get toxic assets off the books of the country’s struggling banks, administration and industry officials said. The plan will use the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. to make the resources of the government’s $700 billion financial rescue fund go further, the officials said Friday.

Senate Republicans stop rush to tax AIG bonuses

By Laurie Kellman and Stephen Ohlemacher - Associated Press Writers

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A3

Senate Republicans are drawing out a flap that has made the Obama administration squirm, applying the brakes to Democratic attempts to quickly tax away most of the bonuses at troubled insurance giant AIG and other bailed-out companies.

KU golf in fourth

J-W Staff Reports

March 21, 2009 in print edition on C8

Walt Koelbel and Nate Barbee both fired 5-under-par rounds Friday to lead the Kansas men’s golf team to fourth place after two rounds of the Desert Shootout.

Two KU swimmers break school records

J-W Staff Reports

March 21, 2009 in print edition on C8

Kansas University swimmers Maria Mayrovich and Iuliia Kuzhil each placed 21st in the preliminaries of their respective events Friday afternoon at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships in College Station, Texas.

KU softball heads to Oklahoma State

J-W Staff Reports

March 21, 2009 in print edition on C8

Weariness shouldn’t be a factor when Kansas University begins the Big 12 Conference portion of its softball schedule tonight.

Royals top Dodgers

Associated Press

March 21, 2009 in print edition on C8

Claudio Vargas sought advice from Los Angeles Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt, and it paid immediate dividends.

Bison bounced; Flyers next up

By Tom Keegan

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A1

For every blue shirt in the Metrodome on Friday, there were about six gold ones in what felt like a road game for third-seeded Kansas University and a home game for No. 14 seed North Dakota State University. The Kansas basketball team survived that atmosphere and a 37-point effort from standout Bison guard Ben Woodside to advance, 84-74, to Sunday’s second-round game against Dayton, upset winner against West Virginia.

Obama’s global challenges have arrived

By Joel Brinkley - McClatchy-Tribune News Service

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B6

The November election was less than a month away when Sen. Joe Biden told an audience in Seattle that the world would soon test Barack Obama. “Watch, we’re going to have a crisis, a generated crisis, to test the mettle of this guy,” Biden predicted. Within hours, the nation’s cabal of political analysts cried out in unison: gaffe, gaffe, gaffe!

Old Home Town - 100 years ago

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B6

From the Lawrence Daily World for March 21, 1909: “Hippy Patterson who shot and killed Dune Walker here after a dice game argument was captured in Baldwin today and said, ‘I shot because I had to.’ He seemed cool and collected and said he would not discuss the murder until he could see an attorney.

Old Home Town - 25 years ago

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B6

Retiring school superintendent Carl Knox was honored by the school board for his 22 years of service. A full search was under way to replace the resigning executive.

Baby boomers may rewrite aging rules

By Ellen Goodman

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B6

Let me see if I have it right: Older Americans ought to keep working in order to lighten the burden of Social Security and assorted benefits on younger generations. Older Americans ought to retire in order to make room for younger generations with their noses pressed to the closed window of the job market.

Research mission

The research being done at the state’s three largest universities is an important asset for Kansas.

J-W Editorials

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B6

As Kansas legislators zero in on final funding plans for state universities, they should keep in mind the array of student research projects that were on display last week at the Docking State Office Building. It’s easy for lawmakers to identify with the educational mission of the universities, community colleges and vocational-technical schools under the Kansas Board of Regents, but they shouldn’t forget the important research being done primarily at the state’s three largest universities.

Are pool drains up to safety standards?

By Steve Karnowski - Associated Press Writer

March 21, 2009 in print edition on E6

Nearly three months after a federal deadline to make public swimming pools safer, many have yet to be fitted with equipment aimed at keeping children safe from the powerful and sometimes deadly suction of drains. Industry groups say public pools were given too little time to comply, and manufacturers of drain covers and pumps weren’t able to keep up with heavy demand from the new law.

Mo. town outraged over killings, illegal immigrant case

By Jim Salter - Associated Press Writer

March 21, 2009 in print edition on E6

A Hannibal police officer was finishing up mundane paperwork on a quiet Saturday morning when Manuel Cazares walked into the station, blood splattered on his hands and shoes. Cazares put his hands out, crossed them, and told the officer to arrest him. “I killed two people,” he allegedly said.

Dog owners worry about puppies that came from Petland

By Lisa Cornwell - Associated Press Writer

March 21, 2009 in print edition on E6

Dawn Lewis and her family still miss Cash, the dog she had put to sleep in 2007 after it attacked her son and left him with scars on his face and ear. She wonders now whether the Akita’s behavior was a result of puppy mill breeding by Petland Inc., which sold her the dog in 2006.

Detained reporters drawn to refugee story

By Jean H. Lee and Kwang-Tae Kim - Associated Press Writers

March 21, 2009 in print edition on E6

Tales about life on the run from repressive North Korea — women who end up at the mercy of human traffickers, children who grow up in hiding — drew the team of American reporters to the Chinese-North Korean border. “Spent the day interviewing young N. Koreans who escaped their country. Too many sad stories,” journalist Laura Ling wrote on her Twitter page.

Details suggest body as missing person

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B1

Family, friends and loved ones of Shawn Fowler, 44, have had suspicions and assumptions as to what happened on Dec. 10, when Fowler went missing from his Perry home. Many of their questions now have answers. “It’s been tough; I have been thinking about it every day ever since he disappeared,” said Shawn Martin, Fowler’s best friend.

Pump patrol

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B1

The Journal-World found gas prices as low as $1.79 at BP, 1900 Haskell Ave.

NASA exhibit to show moon rock on campus

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B1

The Kansas University School of Engineering is scheduled to be host to a traveling NASA exhibit in April that features a moon rock brought back to earth by KU’s first astronaut. The exhibit, called Driven to Explore, is free and open to the public. Visitors can tour the exhibit from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 13 and 14 at Eaton Hall on the KU campus.

Defendant in chase given court notice

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B1

A driver who tried to elude police early Wednesday in a vehicle chase and rolled his car has been issued a notice to appear in Lawrence Municipal Court. Randall Liestman, 28, of Lawrence, was arrested on charges of operating a vehicle under the influence, reckless driving, attempting to elude police, driving while suspended and no proof of insurance. He has been released on bond from Douglas County Jail.

Universal Life Church not just a joke

By Sue Nowicki - McClatchy Newspapers

March 21, 2009 in print edition on D8

The Universal Life Church has a reputation for quick-hit ordination. But there are plenty of people who take it seriously.

Faith Forum: Why does the Bible talk about Jesus as shepherd and followers as sheep?

By Ron Channell and Barry Watts

March 21, 2009 in print edition on D1

It is important to realize that no analogy is perfect, but this is a beautiful, biblical illustration of the relationship between a savior and his people. There are numerous biblical references, including Hebrews 13:20 calling the Lord Jesus the “great shepherd of the sheep.”

Public education, Michael Scott-style

McClatchy Newspapers

March 21, 2009 in print edition on D1

A man named Michael Scott was recently appointed president of the Chicago Board of Education. While he is a Chicago Public Schools veteran, for a moment, we were confused and started wondering what would happen if the other Michael Scott, the hapless, cornball, comedy-loving boss at a Pennsylvania paper-supply outpost in NBC’s “The Office,” were put in charge.

Learning curve: Former Veritas Christian School administrator takes new role as associate pastor

By Sarah Henning

March 21, 2009 in print edition on D1

Jeff Barclay is transitioning back to life as a pastor after serving five years as head of a local private school.

Iola students ‘trade’ stocks, learn about real-life market

By Bob Johnson - The Iola Register

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B4

Two months ago, Eli Battles didn’t know the difference between a trend line and a hemline. Now, the Iola Middle School seventh-grader knows that a trend line is a stock market term and that when the line consistently is headed upward it’s a good thing. A hemline? Well, he is a boy and he does notice girls.

Auditors project deeper deficits for Obama budget

By Andrew Taylor - Associated Press Writer

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A2

President Barack Obama’s budget would produce $9.3 trillion in deficits over the next decade, more than four times the deficits of Republican George W. Bush’s presidency, congressional auditors said Friday. The new Congressional Budget Office figures offered a far more dire outlook for Obama’s budget than the new administration predicted just last month — a deficit $2.3 trillion worse.

Dow posts first 2-week gain in nearly year

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A2

Wall Street’s mid-March rally is on hold, but the market still managed its first two-week gain in close to a year. After starting Friday mixed, stocks veered lower in the afternoon as financial stocks fell and investors collected profits from the advance that saw the Dow Jones industrial average rise 14 percent over seven trading days.

Iran brushes aside Obama video message

‘Past mistakes’ not forgotten, government says

By Ali Akbar Dareini - Associated Press Writer

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B6

The Iranian government brushed aside a Persian New Year’s message Friday from President Barack Obama offering to resolve years of hostility, saying it wants concrete change from Washington before it’s ready to enter a dialogue.

Condoms vital to AIDS fight

By George Curry - The Philadelphia Inquirer

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B7

Pope Benedict XVI touched off a firestorm this week when, in the midst of a discussion about AIDS in Africa, he told reporters, “You can’t resolve it with the distribution of condoms. On the contrary, it increases the problem.”

Obama’s campaign precision not transferring to presidency

By Dolph C. Simons, Jr.

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B1

President Obama is said to be a very smart person. It’s obvious he put together one of the best-organized political campaigns of any U.S. president. He knew how to be a long-shot candidate and end up beating his own party’s most powerful political personality. His campaign was lauded as a well-oiled machine-like powerhouse that made sure to minimize mistakes.

’Dome wreckers

Aldrich, Collins lift KU

By Gary Bedore

March 21, 2009 in print edition on C1

Bill Self congratulated his Kansas University basketball players as they filed into a Metrodome locker room after Friday’s hard-earned, 84-74, first-round NCAA Midwest Regional victory over North Dakota State. “Great road win. Great road win,” Self, KU’s sixth-year coach, said.

KU aide Townsend impressed by Dayton

By Gary Bedore

March 21, 2009 in print edition on D8

Kansas University assistant basketball coach Kurtis Townsend is not surprised the Jayhawks will be playing No. 11 seed Dayton, not No. 6 West Virginia, in Sunday’s second-round NCAA Midwest Regional game in the Metrodome.

Kansas notebook

By Gary Bedore

12:00 a.m., March 21, 2009 Updated 04:57 p.m. in print edition on C4

Kansas University junior guard Tyrone Appleton, who guarded Ben Woodside two minutes the first half and four the second, was mighty impressed with the Bison guard, who scored 37 points. “I didn’t realize how good he was until today,” Appleton said.

Bison: KU just played better

By Jesse Newell

March 21, 2009 in print edition on C5

North Dakota State coach Saul Phillips couldn’t fault his players’ effort. He couldn’t fault their execution, either. That might have been why Friday’s 84-74 loss to Kansas University in the first round of the NCAA Tournament seemed disappointing but not discouraging for the coach and his players. “I will have a hard time looking at this any other way than (KU) played well enough to win this game,” Phillips said.

Tragedy amid triumph

By Tom Keegan

March 21, 2009 in print edition on C1

Some 438 miles and one world away from Gary, Ind., 6-foot-2 Kansas University junior guard Tyrone Appleton, warming a seat on the bench per usual, thought he might have heard his name called inside the Metrodome. He wasn’t really sure until he heard it again.

Trust and financial advisers relocate

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B5

TCK Trust & Financial Advisors has been in a new location, 5200 Bob Billings Parkway, Suite 201, since March 2. Phone and fax numbers for the company remain unchanged. The new office features 1,700 square feet and offers a better location and more space for its officers and clients.

Landmark Bank has new lending officer

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B5

Landmark National Bank announces that Jake Wright has joined the bank as vice president in commercial lending. Wright will work with existing Landmark customers and is also responsible for developing new bank relationships. He will focus on new deposit and loan opportunities in the Lawrence area.

University Bank appoints executive

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B5

University National Bank announces that Justin Sparks has been appointed senior vice president in Lawrence, effective Feb. 9. Sparks, a graduate of New Mexico State University, brings more than 13 years of experience in financial management. He previously served as executive vice president and chief lending officer at Union State Bank in Arkansas City.

Credit unions, banks taken over

Associated Press

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B5

Federal regulators on Friday seized control of two large institutions that provide wholesale financing for U.S. credit unions, a move they say was needed to stabilize the credit union system. The National Credit Union Administration said it has taken over and put into conservatorship the two corporate credit unions, U.S. Central Federal Credit Union, based in Lenexa, Kan., and Western Corporate Federal Credit Union, in San Dimas, Calif.

Jumpsuits spring back onto runways

By Samantha Critchell - Associated Press Writer

March 21, 2009 in print edition on D5

For the past few fashion cycles, it’s been all about the dress. Women love it because it’s easy, versatile and flattering. But now you have a closet full of dresses and not a whole lot of money to spend on something you already own. A potential replacement “it” item: the jumpsuit.

Save money, earth on prom

Wearing vintage, ditching limo among ways to go green

By Victoria Viksne - McClatchy Newspapers

March 21, 2009 in print edition on D5

Prom is a night with a lot of impact — on your young lives and on the environment. Just think of the clothes bought and used for one night and those gas-guzzling limos, and then extrapolate that to the number of proms happening every spring across the country. The waste adds up and it’s not pretty.

Around and about

March 21, 2009 in print edition on D3

Callie and Paul Castro, Shawnee, announce the birth of their daughter, Sophia Castro, Nov. 5, 2008, at Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park. Sophia has a sister, Mia, 2. Her maternal grandparents are Lynn Shultz, and Jim and Mary Shultz, all of Lawrence; paternal grandparents are Donna and Louis Castro, Kansas City, Kan.; and great-grandparents are Loyd and Colleen Wilson, Topeka.

Scouting news

March 21, 2009 in print edition on D3

Boy Scout Troop 64, chartered to the Eudora Lions Club, had its spring Court of Honor March 9 at the Eudora Learning Center. Senior patrol leader Connor Bradley led the troop and visitors in the Pledge of Allegiance and Scout Oath and Law. Two patrols presented brief skits.

Club news

March 21, 2009 in print edition on D3

Over the Rainbow Doll Club met March 12 at the home of Val Fittell. Fittell and Roxanne Hall gave a historical and informative lesson on Betsy McCall. They displayed several examples of Betsy McCall, her dresses, and paper dolls. Members will present and discuss their dolls at Presbyterian Manor on April 2. The next meeting will be April 9 at the home of Suzanne McGinn, 2615 Orchard Lane.

Robo-fish to be used for pollution patrols

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A8

A school of mechanical, battery-powered robots in the shape of fish will be released into a Spanish port to help monitor pollution there, scientists said Friday. The 5-foot-long robots work by mimicking the swishing movements of a fish’s tail, according to University of Essex robotics expert Huosheng Hu, whose team is manufacturing the machines.

Pope condemns sexual violence in Africa

By Victor L. Simpson - Associated Press Writer

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A8

Pope Benedict XVI, welcomed to this sweltering capital Friday by the biggest crowds of his African pilgrimage, condemned sexual violence against women in Africa and chided those countries on the continent that have approved abortion.

Hallmark revenues fall by 2 percent

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B3

Revenues for Hallmark — the second-largest private employer in Lawrence — declined by 2 percent in 2008, the Kansas City-based company announced Friday. The company announced consolidated revenue of $4.3 billion for 2008. That represented a 2 percent decrease from 2007 continuing operations.

State tackles road plan without hope of funds

By John Hanna - Associated Press Writer

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B3

Key legislators are working on a new state transportation program but see no hope for finding a way to pay for billions of dollars of road and bridge projects over the next decade. The Legislature is likely to settle at most for a commitment in Kansas law to start a new program after the existing 10-year, $13 billion program ends June 30, once a financing source is identified.

States urged not to waste recovery money

Associated Press

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A2

With states eager to spend, President Barack Obama announced guidelines Friday aimed at preventing waste and fraud and limiting the influence lobbyists will have in carrying out the $787 billion economic stimulus program.

Special Olympian bowler challenges Obama to a game

By Corey Williams - Associated Press Writer

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A2

So President Barack Obama thinks he bowls like a competitor in the Special Olympics? He’s obviously never met Kolan McConiughey, a mentally disabled man considered one of the nation’s top Special Olympics bowlers, with five perfect games to his credit. He’d like to go to the White House and show the president a thing or two about how to roll strikes.

Virus may be cause of Fat Duck illnesses

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A2

Chef Heston Blumenthal and health officials say a virus may have caused an outbreak of illness among diners at England’s Michelin-starred Fat Duck restaurant. The restaurant was closed for more than two weeks starting Feb. 24 after scores of diners were struck by bouts of diarrhea and vomiting.

Obama to reveal revamped Afghan plan

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A2

The United States will change the way its forces are arrayed in Afghanistan as part of an overhaul of U.S. strategy in the flagging war, a senior defense official said Friday. President Barack Obama is expected to unveil a revamped plan for fighting insurgents in Afghanistan and Pakistan next week. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the review is not complete, said it would call for new garrisons in far-flung Afghan communities.

Needing help, strip club to host job fair

March 21, 2009 in print edition on B2

Here’s a job opportunity you won’t need to buy a new wardrobe for. Hoping to take advantage of Rhode Island’s floundering economy, owners of the Foxy Lady strip club in Providence plan to hold a job fair today. They say they’re looking to fill around 30 positions, from strippers and waitresses to disc jockeys and bartenders, at that club and two others in Massachusetts.

Spider found at grocery store likely not lethal

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A2

A spider found in a Tulsa grocery store might not have been as deadly as initially thought. The spider, spotted in a shipment of bananas at Whole Foods, was taken Sunday to the University of Tulsa, where animal facilities manager Terry Childs identified it as a Brazilian wandering spider, considered one of the most lethal in the world.

Clorox offers $5K to wipe out toilet torcher

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A2

The Clorox Company is offering a $5,000 reward and a year’s supply of toilet cleaning products for tips leading to the arrest of San Francisco’s notorious portable potty pyromaniac. The Oakland-based chemical company deployed a “potty patrol” team in the city Friday to make residents aware of its offer marrying marketing and community service.

Woman gets 4 years in death-by-exercise case

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A2

A transgender woman was sentenced Friday to four years in prison for killing her frail husband by forcing him to exercise. Chris Mason, 41, was sentenced in Geauga County Common Pleas Court for reckless homicide in the death of 73-year-old James Mason. She pleaded guilty earlier and could have gotten five years in prison.

Plan to ban ‘Brazilian’ waxing scrapped

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A4

New Jersey is smoothing out differences over a plan to ban bare-it-all bikini waxing.The state on Friday decided to reverse course on the proposal after angry salon owners complained about losing business ahead of swimsuit season. “It was an unnecessary issue,” said spa owner Linda Orsuto. “In New Jersey especially, where the government has been picking our pockets for so long, it was like, ’Just stay out of our pants, will you?”’

Biologist voiced concerns about chimp

March 21, 2009 in print edition on A4

A Connecticut biologist warned state officials nearly five months ago that a 200-pound chimpanzee who mauled a woman last month could seriously hurt someone if he felt threatened, according to a memo released to state lawmakers Friday.