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Archive for Thursday, May 7, 2009

Also from May 7

Births
Obituaries
On the street
Photos
Photo galleries
The day in photos, May 7, 2009 Haskell tree blessing ceremony Free State baseball vs. Shawnee Heights Lawrence High softball vs. Shawnee Mission West
Podcasts
Polls
Other than KU, which Big 12 football team do you think has the best chance of winning the Big 12 North next season?

Poll results

Response Percent
Nebraska
 
 83%
Missouri
 
 9%
Iowa State
 
 2%
Colorado
 
 1%
Kansas State
 
 1%
Total 151
Videos

Lead stories

12:00 a.m.
A construction worker moves a crane toward the site of a new Kansas Turnpike bridge extending over North Third Street. Turnpike to close half of interchange for two weeks
By Mark Fagan
May 5, 2009 in print edition on 3A
Before the Kansas Turnpike can dismantle one bridge and implode another, it first must close half of the East Lawrence interchange. And it’s only a preview of a larger — and longer-lasting — project to come.
6:00 a.m.
Elwood Ott will get his diploma from Haskell Indian Nations University on Friday. Ott, a father of two and a basketball coach at Haskell, balanced his family life and work and managed to graduate, becoming the first person in his family to do so. Fatherhood, coaching — and a long-awaited degree
By Andy Hyland
May 7, 2009 in print edition on 1A
When Elwood Ott walks across the stage Friday morning during Haskell Indian Nations University’s commencement ceremony in the basketball gym, he said he would feel a sense of pride. He’s a 29-year-old father who’s been attending Haskell — off and on — for more than 10 years.
2:00 p.m.
The dome of the Kansas Statehouse in downtown Topeka is reflected off the windows of a nearby building. House votes for 2.75 percent across-the-board state budget cut; bill goes to Gov. Parkinson
By Scott Rothschild
12:10 p.m., May 7, 2009 Updated 8:09 a.m. in print edition on 1A
A bipartisan plan to implement a 2.75 percent across-the-board cut to the state budget was given final approval today and sent to Gov. Mark Parkinson for his consideration.
6:00 p.m.
Members of the Haskell Indian Nations University community participate in a tree-blessing ceremony Wednesday at the campus. Elder Benny Smith, in black hat, conducted the ceremony. Haskell community blesses 20 new trees planted on campus
By Andy Hyland
May 6, 2009 in print edition on 1A
Members of the Haskell Indian Nations University community on Wednesday took part in a tree blessing ceremony for 20 new trees donated by Black Hills Energy Corp.

All stories

Senate approves bill to seal coal deal
By Carl Manning - Associated Press Writer
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A3
A bill pushed by Gov. Mark Parkinson to pave the way for a new coal-fired power plant in southwest Kansas is halfway to his desk.
City commissioners hear about effects of 5 percent budget cuts
By Chad Lawhorn
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A1
The Lawrence Public Library may have to reduce some evening hours if city commissioners follow through on a scenario that reduces each department’s budget by 5 percent for 2010.
KU senior continues as Jeopardy! semifinalist
By Andy Hyland
06:37 p.m., May 7, 2009 Updated 02:42 a.m. in print edition on A5
After the results of Thursday’s show, Mark Petterson, a Kansas University senior from Prairie Village, is moving on in the “Jeopardy!” college championship tournament.
Students eat up lesson in healthy eating
Dietary facts come as shock to some
By Lindsey Slater
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A1
A loud chorus of “ew” came from Schwegler School students as Nancy O’Connor, the director of education and outreach at The Community Mercantile Co-op, poured out four and a half cups of sugar, the amount you would have if you drank two sodas for seven days.
Federal authorities cleaning up mercury spill in Alabama Street home
Methamphetamine found inside house on Alabama Street
By Jesse Fray
04:02 p.m., May 7, 2009 Updated 04:02 p.m. in print edition on A3
Hazardous material tape surrounds the entryways to 831 Ala., a residence where federal authorities are conducting a multi-day cleanup of a mercury spill.
Spring Wildflower Sale slated for next two Sundays
By Aly Van Dyke
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B2
Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department’s Prairie Park Nature Center will host the annual Spring Wildflower Sale on two days, Sunday and May 17.
KDOT awards bids for projects in Clinton State Park, Leavenworth, Manhattan
By Mark Fagan
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A3
Four state road projects in the area now have contractors to handle them.
Tornado watch canceled
Staff Reports
01:51 p.m., May 7, 2009 Updated 07:00 p.m.
The tornado watch issued for northeast Kansas counties until 8 p.m. has been canceled.
House votes for 2.75 percent across-the-board state budget cut; bill goes to Gov. Parkinson
By Scott Rothschild
12:10 p.m., May 7, 2009 Updated 08:09 a.m. in print edition on A1
A bipartisan plan to implement a 2.75 percent across-the-board cut to the state budget was given final approval today and sent to Gov. Mark Parkinson for his consideration.
Kansas Supreme Court to hear abortion clinic case
By John Hanna - Associated Press Writer
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A4
The Kansas Supreme Court is stepping into a criminal case filed against a suburban Kansas City abortion clinic.
Kansas confirms more swine flu; total now 12 cases
The Associated Press
May 7, 2009
Kansas now has 12 confirmed cases of swine flu.
Roberts vows to block moving of detainess to Kansas
The Associated Press
May 7, 2009
Kansas Republican Pat Roberts promises to tie the U.S. Senate “up in knots” over any plan to move detainees from Guantanamo Bay to Kansas.
Defendant denies raping KU student in 1997; defense attorney tries to call prosecutor to stand
By Janet Reid
11:06 a.m., May 7, 2009 Updated 06:43 p.m. in print edition on A3
The defendant in an ongoing rape trial in Douglas County District Court took the stand Thursday and denied that he raped a Kansas University student in 1997.
KU graduate named as interim United States attorney in Kansas
By Jesse Fray
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B11
A Kansas University graduate has been appointed as the interim United States attorney in Kansas.
Power restored to central Lawrence
09:12 a.m., May 7, 2009 Updated 09:37 a.m.
Power failure occurred near 15th and Iowa streets shortly before 7 a.m. Thursday.
Pump patrol
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A3
The Journal-World found gas prices as low as $1.93 at Presto, 602 W. Ninth St.
Close the critter buffet: Plant selection helps ward off garden visitors
By Jennifer Smith
May 7, 2009 in print edition on C1
Are you the victim of nibbled tulips, gnawed green bean plants and scraped young trees? Bambi and Thumper are enjoying the spring buffet of lush growth and tender shoots, but you can deter their feast with careful plant selection and thoughtful control measures.
Wood chips aren’t just for show
By Lee Reich - Associated Press
May 7, 2009 in print edition on C2
Stores are now awash with wood and bark chips. Besides the usual supply available at nurseries and garden centers, clean white bags of chips are also neatly stacked in front of hardware stores, supermarket, even convenience stores.
Our Town Sports
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B2
Force U-11 Champs: Kaw Valley Force U-11 girls were age-group soccer champions at the Governor’s Cup last weekend in Topeka. Team members are Tori Karlin, Kirstin Hutfles, Emma Wetzel, Holly Hummel, Erin Ventura, Lauren Johnson, Anneliese Bourgeacq, Isabel Carttar, Allie Knapp, Elaine Harris, Skylar Drum and Sabrea Platz. Riny de Boer is the coach.
Obama expresses regret for Afghan civilian deaths
By Robert Burns - Associated Press Writer
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A2
Flanked by the leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan, President Barack Obama expressed deep U.S. regret Wednesday for civilian casualties in a deadly incident this week in western Afghanistan, promising “every effort” to avoid recurrences in the war against a rising Taliban insurgency.
A first step
Notifying parents of a student’s serious drug and alcohol problems is a good first step to address a growing problem at Kansas University.
J-W Editorials
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A7
A new parental notification policy announced this week by Kansas University is a common-sense step toward dealing with drug and alcohol abuse among KU students. In response to federal laws concerning student privacy, KU officials had stopped releasing information to parents even about serious student infractions.
LHS softball slide continues
By Jesse Temple
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B3
Lawrence High softball pitcher Lauren Massey isn’t going to stop throwing. She’d like a little offensive support from her teammates during the process, though.
Officials call report of body in river ‘unfounded’
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A4
Douglas County Sheriff’s officers and Lawrence fire department officials responded Wednesday to a report about a body in the Kansas River. About 6:15 p.m., officials looked along the banks of the river but were not able to find anything. An official with the Douglas County Sheriff’s office said the river was too high to search with a boat.
City sees staff reductions as ‘last resort’
Other cuts considered as commissioners continue work on 2010 budget
By Chad Lawhorn
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A3
Cuts in travel, cuts in training, cuts in equipment purchases are all likely to be included in the city’s budget for 2010 — but cuts to the number of city employees aren’t as likely. That was a message that emerged Wednesday from the Lawrence City Commission’s first of two days of study sessions on next year’s budget.
KU baseball rips Wichita State
J-W Staff Reports
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B2
Kansas University sophomore Tony Thompson hit his team-leading 15th home run and collected four RBIs, five different Kansas players collected two hits, and No. 23 Kansas beat Wichita State, 8-3, on Wednesday night at Eck Stadium.
McCray invited to trials
J-W Staff Reports
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B2
Kansas University’s Danielle McCray has been invited to next week’s USA Women’s World University Games trials in Colorado Springs, Colo. McCray and 29 other invitees will contend for one of the 12 roster spots. The dozen players selected will participate in the World University Games July 1-11 in Belgrade, Serbia.
Ex-President Clinton given Truman award
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A4
Former President Bill Clinton accepted the Harry S. Truman Public Service Award on Wednesday, urging a crowd of more than 600 in the late president’s hometown to become “citizen servants.” Clinton was the 35th recipient of the award, presented each year by Independence officials to an individual they believe best exemplifies public service.
Bill connected to coal plant clears committee
By Carl Manning - Associated Press Writer
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A4
Construction of a coal-fired power plant in southwest Kansas moved closer to reality Wednesday as a key piece of legislation cleared an early hurdle. The bill contains renewable energy proposals backed by Gov. Mark Parkinson, who made its passage a condition of his agreement to a deal allowing Sunflower Electric Power Corp. to build an 895-megawatt power plant near Holcomb in Finney County.
Credit card abuse will persist despite reforms
By Michell Singletary - The Washington Post
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B7
I have no doubt that those working to reform the credit card industry mean well. But neither Congress nor the president can fix the fixation that many Americans have with using credit rather than cash. The House has passed a Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights. The Senate is moving forward, ratcheting up the restrictions on lenders.
Longtime airport leader leaving post
Board chair resigns after taking up consulting work
By Chad Lawhorn
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B7
Now departing Gate 1 of the Lawrence Municipal Airport: Rick Bryant. Bryant, who has been the chair of the city’s Aviation Advisory Board for the past 11 years, resigned from his position at Wednesday’s board meeting.
More households drop landlines for cell phones
By Alan Fram - Associated Press Writer
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B7
In a high-tech shift accelerated by the recession, the number of U.S. households opting for only cell phones has for the first time surpassed those that just have traditional landlines. It is the freshest evidence of the growing appeal of wireless phones.
Pakistan targets militant-held valley
By Zarar Khan and Chris Brummitt - Associated Press Writers
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A2
Pakistan launched air and ground attacks against up to 7,000 Taliban militants entrenched in a northwestern valley Wednesday, killing dozens holed up at emerald mines and on forested hillsides following urgent U.S. demands to step up the fight against the insurgents.
Report: Chalmers fined
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B2
Miami Heat point guard Mario Chalmers and forward Michael Beasley were fined repeatedly for minor violations of team rules during their rookie season, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported. Coach Erik Spoelstra said the fines were not for major violations of team rules.
Bristol Palin promotes abstinence for teens
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A2
Bristol Palin, arguably the nation’s best-known unwed teen mother, embarked on a media tour Wednesday to argue that abstinence is a realistic way for teens to avoid unwanted pregnancy — a view not shared by the father of her infant son.
Car bombs kill 17, Iraqi police say
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A2
Car bombs killed 17 people Wednesday in Baghdad — most of them at a wholesale produce market — fueling concern about Iraqi capabilities less than two months before Iraq’s army and police assume full responsibility for security in the country’s cities.
Weapons-grade uranium traces found in Egypt
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A2
U.N. nuclear inspectors have found traces of highly enriched uranium in Egypt, the International Atomic Energy Agency said in a report obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press. Highly enriched uranium can be used to make weapons, but there was no indication in the brief report that the traces of the particles were linked to such efforts.
15 is median age of U.S. swine flu hospital cases
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A2
There were more signs Wednesday that those hardest-hit by swine flu are the young. U.S. health officials said the median age for confirmed hospital cases in the United States is 15. And in Mexico, new figures showed that almost half of the 42 confirmed swine flu deaths were of people 29 and younger.
Stress tests show some banks need more funds
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A2
Some of the nation’s largest banks will be scrambling to demonstrate that they can raise capital after results of government stress tests leaked out, showing many need more funds. The Treasury Department will officially release results today.
Report: FBI slow to update terror watchlist
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A2
The FBI has been slow to update the national terror suspect watchlist — and the lapses pose real risks to U.S. security, a Justice Department audit has found. A report by the Justice Department’s Inspector General, Glenn Fine, found that 12 terror suspects who were either not watchlisted or were slow to be added to the list may have traveled into or out of the United States during the period when they were not placed on the list.
Langford earns MVP award at EuroChallenge in Italy
By Gary Bedore
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B1
Former Kansas University basketball standout Keith Langford earned MVP honors in leading his Virtus Bologna Fiere team to a first-place finish in the 2009 EuroChallenge in Italy.
Here she comes: Miss Beautiful Morals
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A6
Sukaina al-Zayer is an unlikely beauty queen hopeful. She covers her face and body in black robes and an Islamic veil, so no one can tell what she looks like. She also admits she’s a little on the plump side. But at Saudi Arabia’s only beauty pageant, the judges don’t care about a perfect figure or face. What they’re looking for in the quest for “Miss Beautiful Morals” is the contestant who shows the most devotion and respect for her parents.
New approach to Mideast peace emerging through U.S., Arab nations
By Salah Nasrawi - Associated Press Writer
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A6
Israel, Syria, Lebanon and other Arab nations would sit down together to try to resolve the Middle East conflict under a new “combined approach” currently under discussion with the U.S., Jordan’s king said Wednesday. The idea is the latest indication that the Obama administration is trying to build on the shared interest of its Arab allies and Israel in blunting the threat from Iran.
Sebelius rejects government takeover of health care system
By Noam N. Levey - Tribune Washington Bureau
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A6
The Obama administration’s senior health care official on Wednesday flatly rejected the idea of the government taking over the nation’s medical insurance system, saying the Obama administration does not want to assume management of health care coverage.
British man gets ‘Best Job in the World’ on tropical island
By Kristen Gelineau - Associated Press Writer
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A1
A bungee jumping, ostrich-riding British charity worker was named the winner Wednesday of what’s been dubbed the “Best Job in the World” — a six-month contract to serve as caretaker of a tropical Australian island. Ben Southall bested nearly 35,000 applicants from around the world for the dream assignment to swim, explore and relax on Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef while writing a blog to promote the area.
Fatherhood, coaching — and a long-awaited degree
By Andy Hyland
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A1
When Elwood Ott walks across the stage Friday morning during Haskell Indian Nations University’s commencement ceremony in the basketball gym, he said he would feel a sense of pride. He’s a 29-year-old father who’s been attending Haskell — off and on — for more than 10 years.
Wheat tour finds rain-revived crops
By Roxana Hegeman - Associated Press Writer
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B8
Recent rains have helped revive parched winter wheat crops in western Kansas, industry experts said Wednesday. About 45 farmers and other industry leaders fanned out this week across Kansas to inspect fields during an annual tour by the Wheat Quality Council. The group’s forecast for the 2009 crop will be announced today at the end of the tour on the floor of the Kansas City Board of Trade.
Congress considers fate of newspapers
By William Douglas - McClatchy Newspapers
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A8
Calling it a necessary pillar of democracy, a Senate subcommittee examined the state of American journalism Wednesday at a time when newspapers are being shuttered and downsized and network TV news audiences are declining.
‘Fashion Show’ knocks off ‘Runway’
By Kevin McDonough
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B6
Isaac Mizrahi hosts “Fashion Show” (9 p.m., Bravo), an obvious imitation of “Project Runway,” the show formerly known as Bravo’s biggest hit. If any reality tussle deserves to be its own documentary film, it has to be the legal clash between NBC-Universal and The Weinstein Co., owners of “Project Runway.”
Horoscopes
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B6
You often waver about which way to go when eyeing a conflicting situation. You are well aware that nothing replaces hard work. A partner, as well as others in general, always can provide another opinion. The real question is, What do you think? What is best for you? If you are single, many admirers surround you. If you are attached, take on projects together.
Orientation to offer child care information
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A3
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department is offering a free orientation meeting for prospective child care providers. The meeting will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the first floor meeting room at the Community Health Facility, 200 Maine.
Letter carriers plan to collect food donations
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A3
The 17th annual National Association of Letter Carriers “Stamp out Hunger” food drive will be Saturday. To participate, leave nonperishable goods next to your mailbox and local postal workers will collect the food items while completing their mail routes.
Christians too often stand silent
By Leonard Pitts Jr.
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A7
Between 1933 and 1945, as a series of restrictive laws, brutal pogroms and mass deportations culminated in the slaughter of 6 million Jews, the Christian church, with isolated exceptions, watched in silence. Between 1955 and 1968, as the forces of oppression used terrorist bombings, police violence and kangaroo courts to deny African-Americans their freedom, the Christian church, with isolated exceptions, watched in silence.
Not the first
By Paul Stephen Lim
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A7
To the editor: As proud as we are in the English department at Kansas University to have our very own Mark Petterson showing off his encyclopedic knowledge on “Jeopardy!”, I don’t think he’s the first KU student to compete in the show. If memory serves me correctly, that honor goes to Brent Noel, a Ph.D. candidate in the department of theater and film back in June of 1993.
Prosecute
By Anne L. Haehl
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A7
To the editor: Perhaps my mind is twisted by having so many of my family working in corrections, but I can’t go along with the media consensus that those who approved and promoted torture should be given a pass. From Garrison Keillor on the left to soft and hard right commentators, writers agree that prosecution would be nasty and politically unpleasant and to be avoided.
Two preps join KU roster
J-W Staff Reports
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B2
Catherine Carmichael of Manhattan and Morgan Boub of Blue Valley West have signed Kansas University volleyball tenders. The 6-foot-2 Carmichael was an All-Centennial League honorable mention selection. The 5-8 Boub was a two-time all-state pick.
U.S. trying too hard to save automakers
By George Will
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A7
Gulliver’s travels took him to the Academy of Lagado, where “professors contrive new rules and methods” for everything: “One man shall do the work of ten; a palace may be built in a week, of materials so durable as to last forever without repairing. All the fruits of the earth shall come to maturity at whatever season we think fit to choose, and increase a hundredfold more than they do at present.”
Durable choices help save space and environment
By Lindsey Frank - McClatchy Newspapers
May 7, 2009 in print edition on C2
When author and designer Barbara Flanagan moved from a huge Victorian to a small Cape Cod residence, she needed to drastically downsize — fast. “I noticed the things I had were not very useful,” she said. “I thought, ‘What if I had the time and energy to choose a small collection of very durable, long-lasting useful things … What would that be?” Flanagan turned this question into a book project, and “Flanagan’s Smart Home” was born.
Getting fat? Blame the recession
McClatchy Newspapers
May 7, 2009 in print edition on C1
Nervousness over the economy is sending Americans straight to the pantry, with four out of 10 workers reporting a weight gain, according to a CareerBuilder.com survey.
Confirmed swine flu cases in Kansas increase to 9
By John Milburn - Associated Press Writer
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B8
Kansas now has nine confirmed cases of swine flu. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday confirmed two new cases in Johnson County and two in neighboring Wyandotte County.
Gay marriage leaps ahead in Maine, New Hampshire
By Glenn Adams - Associated Press Writer
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A8
Jennifer Curran could only sit in the pews of her Roman Catholic church over the years and watch as bride after bride — friends, her two sisters — walked down the aisle. Now that her home state of Maine has approved same-sex marriage, she’s looking forward to inviting them to sit on the sidelines in a Congregational church and watch her marry Carolyn Thompson, her partner of nine years.
KU should pay
By Jerome Pichette
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A7
To the editor: This is in regard to the article appearing May 5 entitled “City to discuss football game shuttle.” In that the shuttle is for the benefit of the KU football program and in that the athletic department has a million dollars for Lew Perkins, I think that the athletic fund people should fund 100 percent of the cost of this bus service, not us taxpayers.
Big 12 to keep tiebreaker
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B2
Big 12 coaches have rejected a proposal to change the controversial tiebreaker that gave Oklahoma the nod over Texas in the three-way tie in the Big 12 South last season. Meeting at a resort on Wednesday, they voted to keep the Bowl Championship Series standings as the method to break ties between more than two teams.
Neighbors compromise on West of K-10 Plan
By Mark Fagan
May 7, 2009 in print edition on A5
Neighbors inside the southwestern corner of the South Lawrence Trafficway are signing off on a sprawling land-use plan designed to guide the long-term future of 2,438 acres at the western edge of Lawrence.
Holladay plays hero for FSHS baseball
By Matt Tait
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B1
Free State High’s Austin Holladay picked a heck of a time to snap the Firebirds’ season-long homerless streak. Wednesday, with Free State trailing Shawnee Heights by two runs with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning, Holladay stepped into the batter’s box with second- and fourth-inning strikeouts fresh in his mind.
Nerves? Not with this troop
By Tom Keegan
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B1
Sound man Ben Burtt, who created the voices for the various Star Wars creatures, mixed sounds of bears, dogs, lions and walruses to come up with the voice of Chewbacca, the big, hairy creature from the 1977 film.
On common ground
Free State tennis teammates share brotherly bond
By Matt Tait
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B1
Michael Swank. Rodolfo Gauto Mariotti. In name alone, the two Free State High tennis players are as different as wood and composite rackets. But such a depiction could not be further from the truth.
People in the news
May 7, 2009 in print edition on B6
• Audit: Celebrity records improperly checked • KFC coupon customers: Where’s the chicken? • Report: Abdul tells of struggle with painkillers • Reality TV’s Jon says he didn’t cheat on Kate • Fashion designer Pierre Cardin hospitalized • Designer claims actor head-butted him
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