Archive for Friday, August 20, 2010 / LJWorld.com

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Also from August 20

Births

Blog entries

Obituaries

Vera “Jean” Whitaker, Lawrence

On the street

There are currently five weekly Farmers’ Markets in town. Does Lawrence need more?

Photos

View all of this day's photos (37)

Photo galleries

Lawrence High School football stadium additions

The day in photos, August 20, 2010

Polls

If you had to choose, would you expand coal or nuclear energy to meet demand for electricity?

Poll results

Response	Percent
Nuclear		78%
Coal		21%
Total	1095

Videos

Lead stories

12:00 a.m.

Family celebrating 150 years of farming in Douglas County: By Christine Metz; August 18, 2010 in print edition on 1A; In 1860, Phillip Metsker and his two brothers transformed 240 acres of prairie grass into farmland. Today, another Phillip Metsker, the settler’s great-grandson, grows corn and soybeans while also working full-time as district manager for Taylor Seed Farms.

Video: Douglas County farm to celebrate 150th birthday
Photo gallery: The Metsker family through the years

6:00 a.m.

Pick the pick: Sophomore from Dodge City will be KU starting QB: By Matt Tait; 3:22 p.m., August 19, 2010 Updated 12:00 a.m. in print edition on 1B; The quarterback on the roster who spent the most time with Todd Reesing will get the first crack at replacing him.

10:00 a.m.

City: Algae in lakes to blame for musty-tasting water: By Chad Lawhorn; 9:47 a.m., August 19, 2010 Updated 5:23 p.m. in print edition on 1A; Your tongue isn’t playing a dirty trick on you. Lawrence’s drinking water really does taste odd.

Video: Water tastes strange because of algae, officials say

2:00 p.m.

KU restructures athletics board; chancellor considering non-university members: By Scott Rothschild; 10:11 a.m., August 19, 2010 Updated 5:47 p.m. in print edition on 1A; State higher education officials on Thursday agreed with a decision by Kansas University Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little to remove Athletic Director Lew Perkins as chairman of the Kansas Athletics Corp. Board of Directors.

Video: Lew Perkins won’t be chairman of advisory board for Kansas Athletics Corporation

6:00 p.m.

Black Hills withdraws rate increase request: By Christine Metz; August 20, 2010 in print edition on 1A; Black Hills Energy wants to withdraw a plan that would increase customers’ heating bills in return for providing energy efficiency programs.

All stories

House catches fire during thunderstorm: Staff reports; 10:15 p.m., August 20, 2010 Updated 11:44 p.m. in print edition on B2; A house in the 400 block of Forrest Avenue was struck by lightning about 8 p.m. Friday night.
Moore touts support for Medicaid at Shawnee health care facility: By Caroline Boyer; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B2; A Shawnee senior health care facility was the 36th stop for a national petition effort to encourage federal and state governments to support Medicare funding.
De Soto boy found in attic recovering at hospital: By Laura Herring; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B1; A 6-year-old boy with Down syndrome is recovering at Children’s Mercy Hospital after he was found confined to his home’s attic this week.
Federal charges dismissed against two former Westar Energy executives: By Scott Rothschild; 05:23 p.m., August 20, 2010 Updated 08:08 p.m. in print edition on A1; It was Kansas’ Enron: Two high-flying executives accused of looting what had been a financially solid electric utility. On Friday, it appeared the case against former Westar Energy executives David Wittig and Douglas Lake was over.
Dole Institute to host Congressional subcommittee hearing next week on nation’s financial crisis: By Christine Metz; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B4; Next week, Kansas banks and credit unions will have the ear of Congress as they testify about how they survived the financial meltdown and what can be done to prevent future ones.
Severe thunderstorm watch for Douglas County expires: Staff report; 04:32 p.m., August 20, 2010 Updated 10:12 p.m.; The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Douglas and surrounding counties until 10 p.m.
2 more KU profs awarded $7,500 teaching fellowships: By Andy Hyland; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B1; Kansas University officials announced two more Kemper Fellowship winners for Teaching Excellence on Friday.
Congressional candidates spar over possibility of ‘Fair Tax’: By Scott Rothschild; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B4; The issue of the so-called “Fair Tax” erupted Friday in the 3rd U.S. House District race between Republican Kevin Yoder and Democrat Stephene Moore.
Severe thunderstorm warning expires for Douglas County: Staff report; 04:05 p.m., August 20, 2010 Updated 04:45 p.m.; The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Douglas County until 4:45 p.m.
Nationwide recall includes eggs sold in Kansas: Associated Press; 03:34 p.m., August 20, 2010 Updated 05:24 p.m. in print edition on A4; Half a billion eggs have been recalled in the nationwide investigation of a salmonella outbreak that has already sickened more than 1,000 people.
Sunflower season in full bloom: By Mark Fagan; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B1; All that rain in late June may have soaked the soil, drowned 18 acres of just-germinated plants and forced the sowing of another 400,000 seeds between Lawrence and Tonganoxie.
City planners, developers square off over proposal for Lowe’s in northwest Lawrence: By Chad Lawhorn; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A1; In northwest Lawrence there’s another battle brewing over a big box retailer.
Severe thunderstorm warning expires for Jefferson County: Staff report; 01:22 p.m., August 20, 2010 Updated 01:45 p.m.; The National Weather Service in Topeka has allowed a severe thunderstorm warning for Jefferson County to expire.
Kansas Supreme Court reduces length of time Last Call shooter must register as violent offender: By Scott Rothschild; 11:40 a.m., August 20, 2010 Updated 11:51 a.m. in print edition on B4; A man sentenced to 15 years in prison for shooting three people in 2008 outside a former Lawrence bar will not have to register as a violent offender for the rest of his life once he is released from prison, according to a ruling Friday by the Kansas Supreme Court.
De Soto festival on Saturday to feature fireworks: By Laura Herring; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B1; Better late than never. At least that’s the thinking among organizers of De Soto’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display, which was rained out.
KU Law School named a ‘best buy’: By Andy Hyland; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B1; Kansas University’s School of Law has been named as a top 20 “Best Value” school by preLaw magazine.
Judge postpones third trial of former Westar executives: Associated Press; August 20, 2010; The third trial of former Westar Energy executives Douglas Lake and David Wittig, which was scheduled to begin Sept. 20, has been postponed.
Army to honor Sen. Roberts at Fort Leavenworth: Associated Press; August 20, 2010; Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts is having his name linked forever to the Army’s Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth.
Net Worth: Pop music takes on surprising depth at different speed: By Jon Niccum; August 20, 2010 in print edition on C1; Perhaps true art can be made from anything once it’s placed in a different perspective.
Audiences will feel beaten by ‘The Switch’: By Eric Melin; August 20, 2010 in print edition on C1; Jason Bateman and Jennifer Aniston headline “The Switch,” which starts with a potentially adventurous sperm-donor premise and utilizes it as the backdrop for a tedious romantic comedy.
Mosque an issue of decency, not rights: Charles Krauthammer; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A7; It’s hard to be an Obama sycophant these days. Your hero delivers a Ramadan speech roundly supporting the building of a mosque and Islamic center at Ground Zero in New York. Your heart swells and you’re moved to declare this President Obama’s finest hour, his act of greatest courage.
Voters face a dismal choice: David Broder; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A7; The Democrats seem determined to teach us the price of vacillation, while the Republicans are bent on instructing us on the rewards of obstruction. What a helluva choice awaits in the November election.
Farm families: The Metskers and other long-time farm families are an important part of Douglas County’s economy and history.; J-W editorials; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A7; Maintaining a farm through 150 years and four generations of the same family is no small feat.
Old tractors brought back to life for competitions: By Corey Jones - The Topeka Capital-Journal; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A5; Unquantifiable numbers of garden tractors and lawnmowers in various states of disrepair are littered about a southwest Topeka property.
Judge considers paralysis sentence: By Salah Nasrawi - Associated Press Writer; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A6; A Saudi judge has asked several hospitals in the country whether they could damage a man’s spinal cord as punishment after he was convicted of attacking another man with a cleaver and paralyzing him, the brother of the victim said Thursday.
Regents push aggressive agenda: By Scott Rothschild; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A6; State higher education officials say they will seek more funding from the Legislature and improvements from the schools as part of an aggressive agenda for the new academic year.
Obama a Muslim? Rumors gain steam, defying facts: By Hillel Italie - Associated Press Writer; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A8; “President Obama is a Muslim.” “He’s not an American citizen.” “He wasn’t even born here.” None of this is true. But to surprising levels, it is believed.
Spike in layoffs feeds fear of faltering recovery: Associated Press; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A8; Layoffs are back, and that’s bad news for the fragile economic recovery.
Black Hills withdraws rate increase request: By Christine Metz; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A1; Black Hills Energy wants to withdraw a plan that would increase customers’ heating bills in return for providing energy efficiency programs.
Exonerated prisoner seeks end of death penalty: By Shaun Hittle; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A3; The criminal justice system makes mistakes.
Stride for Stone 5K seeking sponsors: Staff reports; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A3; Sponsorships are being sought for the inaugural Stride for Stone, a 5K run to benefit Team Tongie, the Austin Stone Scholarship and the Brain Injury Association of Kansas.
Pump patrol: Staff reports; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A3; The Journal-World found gas prices as low as $2.59 at several stations.
Horoscope for August 20, 2010: Associated Press; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B7; This year, you might opt to reorganize your daily life. You will become more effective and perhaps build in more time. One of your issues will be, happily so, what to do with this additional time. If you are attached, sometimes a relationship could be confusing, and other times very satisfying. If you are single, many would-be sweeties surround you. Aquarius has the same core issue as you but a very different style.
‘Kids’ are back: By Kevin McDonough; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B7; The cult comedy troupe Kids in the Hall reunites for “Kids in the Hall: Death Comes to Town” (9 p.m., IFC).
Wyclef Jean meets with Haiti’s president: By Tamara Lush - Associated Press Writer; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B7; Haitian President Rene Preval met with presidential hopeful Wyclef Jean for more than two hours on Thursday, touching off a new round of speculation as to whether the singer will be allowed to run in Nov. 28 elections.
Former boyfriend testifies in Smith case: Associated Press; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B7; Larry Birkhead, the father of Anna Nicole Smith’s daughter, testified Thursday he saw her taking numerous prescription drugs but that she told him she was not an addict.
K.C. suburb adopts tax on road use for both homes, businesses: Associated Press; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B8; A northeast Kansas city has adopted a new tax that will charge fees based on how much traffic specific properties generate.
State unemployment rate rose in July: Staff reports; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A4; The Kansas unemployment rate for July increased to 6.9 percent, up from 6.5 percent in June and down from 7.9 percent in July 2009, the Kansas Department of Labor reported.
Archivist finds judge’s 1794 document: By John Milburn - Associated Press Writer; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A4; A document written by a federal judge in 1794 has caused a stir among historians, not for what it says, but for where it was discovered: in President Dwight Eisenhower’s archives in the middle of Kansas.
Lawrence man reports audio equipment stolen: Staff reports; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A4; A 19-year-old Lawrence man reported to police Wednesday afternoon that someone damaged his car door and stole audio equipment valued at $1,320 while the vehicle was in the 800 block of East 23rd Street.
Lawrence man loses teeth in fight: Staff reports; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A4; A 26-year-old Lawrence man was involved in a fight early Sunday morning that left him with teeth knocked out and lacerations to the face.
Study shows value of quality-of-life cancer care: By Marilynn Marchione - Associated Press Writer; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A2; Palliative care, which helps the gravely ill make the most of the time they have left, provided a surprising bonus for terminal lung cancer patients: More time left to enjoy.
Giuliani supports move of mosque near WTC site: Associated Press; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A2; Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani on Thursday joined a growing number of politicians supporting a move of a proposed Islamic center and mosque near ground zero to state-owned land farther from the Sept. 11 attack site.
Major study proves 22-mile plume of oil isn’t going away: By Seth Borenstein - Associated Press Writer; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A2; The oil is there, at least 22 miles of it. You just can’t see it.
Moon may be shrinking, but slowly: Associated Press; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A2; The moon may be shrinking.
U.S.: Mideast talks may start soon: Associated Press; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A2; The Obama administration said Thursday it is near to securing an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians to resume direct peace talks. Some U.S. officials said an announcement could be imminent.
Cleveland tops K.C.: The Associated Press; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B4; One night after collecting 17 hits and losing, the Cleveland Indians made a season-high five errors, had a runner thrown out at every base and won.
Rec calendar: Staff reports; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B4; Lawrence Bicycle Club Various rides Tuesday through Sunday. Call Paul Corcoran at 842-5273 or e-mail pcorcoran@sunflower.com.
PG Samantha Logic to visit KU: J-W Staff Reports; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B3; Samantha Logic, a 5-10 senior point guard from Case High School in Racine, Wis., will make a recruiting visit to Kansas University this weekend.
Chiefs QB Cassel making strides in year two: By Doug Tucker - The Associated Press; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B2; Matt Cassel may be known some day as more than the only quarterback to start a game in the NFL without starting in college.
Clemens indicted in steroid case: The Associated Press; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B2; Roger Clemens was vehement: “Let me be clear. I have never taken steroids or HGH,” he told a House committee in 2008. Now, instead of the Hall of Fame, baseball’s seven-time Cy Young winner could go to prison after being indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday for allegedly lying to Congress.
Welker returns; Pats cruise, 28-10: The Associated Press; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B2; New England’s offense looks just fine, especially with Wes Welker back at receiver. The Falcons’ defense appears to need more work.
Opurum move a gamble: By Tom Keegan; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B1; Football helmets mask faces, which can make it tougher to personalize the players, but if you don’t feel for Kansas University sophomore Toben Opurum right this moment, your cold heart needs to bake in the sun for a while. It might even be time for a transplant.
Study: Movie scenes with smoking on the decline: Associated Press; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B7; A new study shows that there’s less smoking depicted in movies in recent years.
Grammy nominees to be announced Dec. 1: Associated Press; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B7; The Grammy nominations will once again be unveiled in a prime-time special despite two years of low ratings.
Judge dismisses lawsuit against Michael Jackson: Associated Press; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B7; A federal judge on Thursday dismissed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit by a concert promoter against the late Michael Jackson over a failed reunion concert.
Salina police say motorized bikes illegal: By David Clouston - The Salina Journal; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B8; Cole Rodenbeek says he and some friends who ride their bicycles to work are being eco-friendly and trying to save money on their daily commute to work.
Escapee caught at Arizona campground: Associated Press; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A2; An escaped state prison inmate and his fiancee, who have been on the run for weeks amid a nationwide manhunt, were captured Thursday in northeastern Arizona after being spotted at a campground by Forest Service workers, officials told The Associated Press.
Jetliner grounded in San Francisco after threat: Associated Press; August 20, 2010 in print edition on A2; A hijack threat halted an American Airlines flight just before takeoff Thursday, leaving the New York-bound jet sitting on the tarmac for several hours while it was searched and passengers were removed for extra scrutiny.
25 years ago: Lecompton fires dog warden: By Sarah St. John; August 20, 2010; Lecompton’s new Dog Warden was fired after two months for “not living up to his agreement with the city,” said the city’s mayor. The job entailed collecting stray dogs and making sure dogs were licensed, but there were reports that the warden’s own dogs were unlicensed.
100 years ago: Contraption allows streetcar passengers to pay as they enter: By Sarah St. John; August 20, 2010; ‘Yes it is a very clever little device, but you men will have to step up front, you are blocking the passage.’ This and a few yards more of similar explanations marked the installation of the new pay as you enter street car in Lawrence last evening. Patrons climbing on the car found themselves confronted with a little glass box in which fares were to be dropped.
40 years ago: Parched land finally recieves some rain: By Sarah St. John; August 20, 2010; Rain finally arrived in the area, much to the relief of dying gardens and parched crops. The heaviest rainfall of the year dumped 1.65 inches of rain on the city, mostly before 8:00 a.m. Tiny hailstones and ear-splitting thunder accompanied the storm.
Street scene: Entertainers invade Downtown Lawrence for third annual Busker Festival: By Jon Niccum; August 20, 2010 in print edition on C1; El Gleno Grande, Bruiser the dog and Mentoc the Mind Fuggler reveal their twisted techniques.
Hoops recruit McLemore not ready to commit: By Gary Bedore; August 20, 2010 in print edition on B1; Ultra-athletic St. Louis high school basketball guard Ben McLemore will leave for Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va., a week from today as one of the top uncommitted players in the Class of 2011. Though the 6-foot-5, 185-pound McLemore appears to remain a heavy Kansas University lean — with no other school even close to be considered his second choice at this time — he may remain unsigned all the way until April.

Marketplace

Today's lunch specials

El Mezcal II $4.25 Speedy Gonzales-Taco and Enchilada · with rice or beans.

La Parrilla $1.00 Lunch Special · Ground Beef Tacos

Zen Zero $5.99 Daily Lunch Special · Chef's Choice

Bird Dog Bar 1/2 Price Burgers

Jayhawker Taco Tuesday Special · Featuring a different flavor each week! Always priced ...

Henry T's Bar & Grill $6.49 Buffalo Day-Buffalo Crispy Chicken Nacho

Yacht Club $6.99 Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Bigg's Barbeque $6.00 Tuesday Lunch Specials · Slab-O-Palooza! $10.99 St. Louis Ribs All Day. (Dine ...

Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que $7.49 Lunch Size Salads · Smaller versions of our entrée salads, served with ...

Queen Lizzy's $3.00 Cheese and Branston Pickle Loaded Baguette · with chips or salad. $6.50 Served between 11:30am ...

Wayne & Larry's Sports Bar & Grill $4.99 Hot Ham & Cheese Sandwich · with fries. Or, Turkey Melt Sandwich with fries.

Genovese $7.95 Express Lunch Salads with Grilled Chicken ·

Johnny's Tavern $1.00 Tacos

Longhorn Steakhouse NEW! Flavorful Under 500 Calories Steakhouse Meals · Choose from 5 dishes of chicken, beef, or ...

Kansas extends major development tool for 5 years May 28, 2012 · 13 comments
On the street: How did you spend your Memorial Day? May 28, 2012 · 15 comments
National group seeks repeal of 'Stand Your Ground' law in Kansas May 27, 2012 · 128 comments
Sound Off: How much does the city’s transit system collect in fares compared with how much it costs May 27, 2012 · 127 comments
Remove politics, and redistricting map falls in line May 27, 2012 · 35 comments
Sound Off: How can I check someone’s criminal record? May 28, 2012 · 3 comments
God, marriage May 25, 2012 · 192 comments
Kansas tax act most regressive in nation May 27, 2012 · 249 comments
U.S. military sees new appreciation May 28, 2012 · 18 comments
Heard on the Hill: Chesapeake Energy donation is still on track; State Department hits the brakes on Confucius Institute directive; website ranks KU as best university to work for May 29, 2012 · 3 comments

Thread of pain ran through Jackson’s career June 28, 2009
Kansas tax act most regressive in nation May 27, 2012
KU’s Elijah Johnson cautious at camp May 29, 2012
Friends mourn Lynn Bretz, former voice of KU May 28, 2012
Hilltop executive director Pat Pisani stepping down May 28, 2012
Kansas football scouring country May 29, 2012
Experts: Remedial college classes need fixing May 28, 2012
Famed author takes on Kansas October 7, 2005
Retreat offered for writers May 28, 2012
Town Talk: UPDATE: Thellman files for re-election to county commission; News of salvage yards, curbside recycling and a pig May 25, 2012