Also from March 15

Births

• Amber Mach, Eudora, a boy.
• Bryan and Marci Ramsay, Lawrence, a boy.
• Ashley and George Dionne, Ottawa, a boy.
• Kelli Hudson and Cole Kirkminde, Lawrence, a boy.
• Ryan and Emily Gaston, Lawrence, a girl.
• Tiffany Ray and Rahlem Harrison, Lawrence, a girl.
• Elizabeth and Matthew Black, Lawrence, a girl.
• Carmen Bolivar, Lawrence, a boy.
• Christopher Calovich and Michelle Cox, Oskaloosa, a girl.
• Diana McCoy and DJ Davis, Lawrence, a girl.

Blog entries

• Operation 100 News blog: Two men shot this morning in Lawrence

Obituaries

• Melvin McClelland, Lawrence
• Martha Patterson, Fresno, Calif.
• Mary Lou Nold, Baldwin City
• Patricia A. Hadl, Lawrence
• Brennan James Dardis, Tempe, Ariz.
• Charles Henry Shawbaker, Eudora
• Lillian Marie Kerr, Parker

On the street

• Which book would you recommend for kids over spring break?

Photos

View all of this day's photos (29)

Polls

Would you support increasing Kansas' state sales tax now if the sales tax on food would be removed in three years?

Poll results

Response	Percent
Yes		52%
No		41%
Not sure		5%
Total	852

Videos

• The forecast for Tuesday, March 16 calls for a high …
• A Tonganoxie couple has climbed to the top of the …
• Extra court closures in coming weeks are problematic and inappropriate, …
• Kansas lawmakers are trying to find ways to generate more …
• The top six sports plays from the area this past …
• St. Patrick’s Day is reason to celebrate at KU’s Spencer …
• A No.1 seed has never lost in the first round …
• Members of the group Save Our Neighborhood Schools are organizing …
• This week’s Kidcast is delivered by Alexandra Van Pelt.
• A much nicer week is expected with sunny skies likely …
• Expect a fairly quiet drive to cap off your Monday …
• Expect mostly cloudy skies to start your work week with …
• The Monday commute should bring temperatures in the 40s and …
• Baker University student Rex Prior, 35, talks about the recent …

All stories

Lawrence youngsters take 2nd and 5th place at state spelling bee

By Shaun Hittle

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A3

Lawrence eighth-grader Isaac Ward battled eventual winner for 13 rounds.

48-year-old Lawrence man enters plea in three indecent liberties cases

By Janet Reid

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A3

A 48-year-old Lawrence man entered a plea Friday to multiple charges of sexually abusing teenage girls.

Despite tight budget situation, legislative travel expenditures in 2010 higher than in 2009 — and the year’s not over

By Scott Rothschild

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A1

Even during a budget crisis, Kansas legislators and their staff hit the road at taxpayer expense to attend conferences.

Upcoming furloughs concern Douglas County judge

By Jesse Fray

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A3

Extra court closures in coming weeks are problematic and inappropriate, according to Chief Douglas County District Court Judge Robert Fairchild.

‘Covenant marriages’ draw opposition

By Scott Rothschild

03:04 p.m., March 15, 2010 Updated 03:04 p.m. in print edition on A5

The optional covenant marriages would make it more difficult to end a marriage by doing away with no-fault divorce.

Kansas House adopts resolution concerning states’ rights

Associated Press

March 15, 2010

The Kansas House has adopted a resolution decrying what it describes as the federal government’s violations of the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

House committee looking into complaint against O’Neal

By Scott Rothschild

02:08 p.m., March 15, 2010 Updated 06:46 p.m. in print edition on A3

The committee of three Republicans and three Democrats was appointed earlier Monday by House Speaker Pro Tem Arlen Siegfreid, R-Olathe.

How Keegan voted — March 15 college basketball poll

By Tom Keegan

March 15, 2010

The following is Journal-World sports editor Tom Keegan’s ballot for the Associated Press college basketball poll on March 15, 2010.

KU unanimous No. 1 in both polls

J-W Staff Reports

01:06 p.m., March 15, 2010 Updated 01:12 p.m.

The Kansas men’s basketball team is the unanimous No. 1 in the latest Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today coaches polls released Monday.

Up to 200 Lawrence-area residents plan to attend Tuesday’s education funding rally

By George Diepenbrock

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A4

Members of the group Save Our Neighborhood Schools are organizing a bus leaving at 10:30 a.m. from the Lawrence High School parking lot.

Senator proposes sales tax increase

Measure would ultimately remove tax on food; House firmly opposed

By Scott Rothschild

11:54 a.m., March 15, 2010 Updated 01:57 p.m. in print edition on A1

State Sen. Les Donovan, R-Wichita, said he doesn’t want to raise taxes, but the state budget crisis requires more revenue. Legislators are facing an estimated $500 million revenue shortfall in the fiscal year that starts July 1.

Business leaders protest proposal to hike state’s sales tax

Associated Press

March 15, 2010

Business leaders are telling a Kansas Senate committee that they oppose an increase in the state’s sales tax.

Activists plan school funding rally in Topeka on Tuesday

Associated Press

March 15, 2010

Organizers expect more than 1,000 people to turn out Tuesday for a school funding rally at the Statehouse.

Kansas Senate committee considering whether to levy ‘soda tax’

Cost of can of Coke would go up a dime

Associated Press

March 15, 2010

A Kansas Senate committee is reviewing a proposal to impose a new tax on soda and other sugary drinks.

As national magazine touts quality of Kansas highways, Parkinson makes pitch for maintaining that standard

Reader’s Digest ranks state No. 1

By John Milburn - Associated Press Writer

08:13 a.m., March 15, 2010 Updated 03:59 p.m. in print edition on A3

Joined by two former Republican governors who championed Kansas highway programs, Democratic Gov. Mark Parkinson made a pitch Monday for more projects despite bleak state revenues.

KU names director of new program in Salina

Associated Press

March 15, 2010 in print edition on B8

A Salina-based oncologist has been named to lead the University of Kansas School of Medicine’s expansion program in Salina.

Attorney General, citing vacation rapes, urges university students to be vigilant

Associated Press

March 15, 2010

Kansas Attorney General Steve Six is urging university students and others to remain vigilant over spring break after a string of rapes during previous breaks from classes.

Sexual addiction: Behavior has many causes

McClatchy Newspapers

March 15, 2010

Tiger Woods remains in the news, and so does speculation that he suffers from sex addiction.

Chop talk: Check out new lamb, pork recipes on ‘Jayni’s Kitchen’

March 15, 2010

“Jayni’s Kitchen” debuts at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday on Sunflower Broadband Channel 6 with repeats throughout the week.

Two debt-reduction strategies

By Josh McCleary

March 15, 2010

The heavy use of debt has pushed many of us to spend more than we earn. In fact, according to data from the St. Louis Federal Reserve, the savings rate in this country averaged only about 6 percent from 2004 to 2007. The recent economic downturn, however, has caused Americans to actually start saving more. This shift in spending habits has occurred even in the midst of high unemployment. As more intelligent spending occurs on a personal level, it is likely that increased saving and also debt elimination will become an attainable goal for many.

Lucky bride: Couple marry in 1st St. Patrick’s Day parade

By Eileen Roddy

March 15, 2010

Terri Wilson isn’t likely to forget her wedding day. She was married during Lawrence’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1988.

Make birds feel welcome by offering lodging

By Linda Cottin

March 15, 2010

Early spring is the perfect time to install a bird house in your backyard. Following a few simple steps will have you bird watching in no time.

Get swimwear looks in line for Spring Break

By Caitlin Donnelly

March 15, 2010

A long winter makes it hard to believe that spring break is just around the corner. It’s true — and all of the easy dresses, swimsuits, sunglasses and beach shoes of resort fashion have hit the shelves. Whether you take a vacation, indulge in a little spring break-wear and some good old-fashioned R&R. You might be surprised how well a new swimsuit, coverup and a fresh pedicure cures those land-locked, winter Kansas blues.

Refugees’ return vital to unified Iraq

By Trudy Rubin

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A9

Even though Iraq’s election is over, the vote was so divided among political coalitions that it may be weeks before a new government is formed. However, we do know that the parties that claimed to rise above sectarian divisions did well — most notably Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s Rule of Law alliance. This indicates that many Iraqis are eager to move beyond the bloody divisiveness of past years.

American, 22, completes her solo row across Atlantic Ocean

By Bert Wilkinson - Associated Press Writer

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A2

A 22-year-old American rower completed a solo journey across the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday, touching a pier in the coffee-brown waters of Guyana to claim a record as the youngest person to accomplish the feat.

Health care bill still in jeopardy, Democratic vote-counter says

By Libby Quaid - Associated Press Writer

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A2

The House’s chief Democratic head-counter said Sunday he hadn’t rounded up enough votes to pass President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul heading into a make-or-break week, even as the White House’s top political adviser said he was “absolutely confident” in its prospects.

Clip may offer alternative to open-heart surgery

By Marilynn Marchione - Associated Press Writer

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A1

Many Americans with leaky heart valves soon might be able to get them fixed without open-heart surgery. A study showed that a tiny clip implanted through an artery was safer and nearly as effective as surgery, doctors reported Sunday.

Psst! Want to hear a secret?

By Tom Keegan

March 15, 2010 in print edition on B1

A few tips to fill out your NCAA Tournament bracket.

Memo fuels doubts on runaway Prius

By Elliot Spagat and Ken Thomas - Associated Press Writers

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A7

The mystery surrounding a Toyota Prius whose driver reported a stuck accelerator deepened Sunday as the motorist’s attorney dismissed a congressional memo that questions his client’s version of events.

Take steps to avoid ‘computer neck’

By Cathy Hamilton

March 15, 2010

Laptops can be a pain in the neck. Not because they crash unexpectedly, take too long to play YouTube videos or wear the battery down in two hours. We’re talking a literal pain in the neck.

Take the bite out of playtime: Lawrence educators offers suggestions to prevent playground habit

By Sarah Henning

March 15, 2010

Biting seems like such a primitive form of aggression — a natural reaction from a cat or dog or bear. But when it’s your kid digging his teeth into another child’s arm, something so natural can seem downright embarrassingly wrong.

Palatable plan

By Kelly Jones - Lawrence

March 15, 2010 in print edition on B7

On Tuesday night, Lawrence school board members admirably created a consensus on how best to deal with the current Kansas Legislature-induced $5 million budgetary shortfall.

A&M women claim Big 12 tourney championship

The Associated Press

March 15, 2010 in print edition on B5

Midway through the season, Texas A&M went into a funk, a string of four losses in five games sending the Aggies spiraling down the standings.

Kansas rowing ties for third

J-W Staff Reports

March 15, 2010 in print edition on B5

Kansas University’s rowing team tied for third place with Tulsa at the University of Oklahoma Invitational on Sunday.

KU baseball takes series from No. 1 LSU

J-W Staff Reports

March 15, 2010 in print edition on B5

Senior Robby Price went 3-for-5 with a double and an RBI, and junior relief pitcher Brett Bochy earned his second save of the weekend as Kansas University earned a series victory over top-ranked LSU with an 8-4 victory Sunday in the rubber game of the three-game series.

Kansas softball splits doubleheader

By Chuck Woodling

March 15, 2010 in print edition on B5

When Kansas University wins a softball game, chances are Alex Jones will have been involved.

KU favorite in Vegas

Oddsmakers set line at 2-1

Associated Press

March 15, 2010 in print edition on B4

Las Vegas oddsmakers like No. 1 Kansas University as much as the NCAA selection committee, picking the Jayhawks as the top team in the NCAA Tournament.

Missouri, Clemson to clash in up-tempo battle

Associated Press

March 15, 2010 in print edition on B4

The Missouri Tigers are headed to their second consecutive NCAA Tournament.

K-State’s first-round test: North Texas

Associated Press

March 15, 2010 in print edition on B4

The “firsts” and “bests” keep piling up for Kansas State. In the same year that Frank Martin fashioned the best three-year record of any Kansas State coach, the resurgent Wildcats have nabbed their highest seeding in any NCAA Tournament.

Mom: No word from woman freed in Ireland

Associated Press

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A2

A Colorado woman who says she is the mother of an American held and later released in Ireland over an alleged plot to kill a Swedish cartoonist said Sunday she does not know where her daughter may be.

Take a vacation from textbooks with these teen reads

J-W Staff Reports

March 15, 2010

Teens who will spend spring break at home — or will need some reading material on a long car trip — may want to check out some new, and sometimes unsettling, reads for young adult readers. Rebecca Power, Lawrence Public Library’s new teen services librarian, and other staff compiled some recommended reading for the vacation from textbooks.

Xavier Henry happy to be headed home

By Gary Bedore

March 15, 2010 in print edition on B3

Kansas University freshman guard Xavier Henry says it’ll be fun to open 2010 NCAA Tournament play in his hometown of Oklahoma City.

Follow these tourney tips

By Dick Jerardi - Philadelphia Daily News

March 15, 2010 in print edition on B4

What happened to all of the upsets? George Mason was only four years ago. It just seems like forever.

Couple with ties to U.S. consulate killed

Associated Press

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A2

Gunmen killed a U.S. consulate employee and her husband as they drove in Ciudad Juarez with their baby in the back seat, minutes after the husband of another consular employee was shot to death and his two children wounded, officials said Sunday.

Prime Minister holds lead in partial tally

Associated Press

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A2

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki edged ahead Sunday in a tight race in the country’s parliamentary elections after partial results from all of Iraq’s 18 provinces showed his bloc leading in seven — two more than his chief rival.

Mom: No word from woman freed in Ireland

Associated Press

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A2

A Colorado woman who says she is the mother of an American held and later released in Ireland over an alleged plot to kill a Swedish cartoonist said Sunday she does not know where her daughter may be.

Milk or cider? State weighs in on drink

Associated Press

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A2

Apples are getting some competition from cows in the debate over what New Hampshire’s state drink should be — cider or milk.

Protesters march on army headquarters

Associated Press

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A2

Army reinforcements were rushed into Thailand’s capital of Bangkok as tens of thousands of anti-government demonstrators marshaled around a key military headquarters demanding that the government dissolve Parliament by midday today.

Sen. Harry Reid’s wife released from hospital

Associated Press

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A2

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s wife has been released from a Virginia hospital, where she was taken after being seriously injured in a traffic accident.

How to Help: Support needed for fundraiser races

Staff Reports

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A4

Health Care Access Clinic is in need of volunteers to help with the upcoming Lynn Electric Kansas Marathon presented by Hy-Vee.

‘Alice’ extends No. 1 stay with $62M

By Esme E. Deprez and Dan Hart - Bloomberg News

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A11

“Alice in Wonderland,” the Lewis Carroll tale reimagined in 3-D by director Tim Burton, was the top film in the U.S. and Canada for a second straight weekend, bringing in $62 million in ticket sales for Walt Disney Co.

‘Home Rules’ loads more stuff on family with oversized house

By Kevin McDonough

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A11

HGTV gets into the self-help business with “Home Rules” (8 p.m., HGTV).

Streep presents award to former Colombian hostage

By Jocelyn Noveck - Associated Press Writer

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A11

It was hard to tell who was more impressed when film star Meryl Streep presented a leadership award to Ingrid Betancourt, the former Colombian presidential candidate who endured years of captivity in jungle camps.

Horoscope for March 15, 2010

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A11

For Monday, March 15: This year, you enter a new luck cycle. If single, be more open to new people. If attached, you open up to more possibilities. A fellow Pisces reads you cold.

How to Help: Support needed for fundraiser races

Staff Reports

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A4

Health Care Access Clinic is in need of volunteers to help with the upcoming Lynn Electric Kansas Marathon presented by Hy-Vee.

Marriages

Staff Report

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A4

Marriage licenses issued by the Douglas County District Court.

Divorces granted

Staff Report

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A4

Divorces granted by the Douglas County District Court.

Lehigh thrilled to get ‘opportunity’

By Matt Tait

March 15, 2010 in print edition on B1

For Lehigh University’s men’s basketball team, the suspense of Selection Sunday was over early.

European art shows unease with Islam

By Michael Weissenstein - Associated Press Writer

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A12

With the West locked in conflicts across the Muslim world, why would anyone throw fuel on the fire?

Snow-weary Northeast mops debris from wind-driven rain

By Bruce Shipkowski - Associated Press Writer

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A12

Last month, the Northeast was smothered by blizzards. Now, it’s waterlogged by torrential rains.

On track

Funding may be a way off, but it’s good that state officials are looking at plans to expand passenger rail service.

J-W editorials

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A9

Kansas Transportation Secretary Deb Miller is right that this probably isn’t the right time to make a funding pitch for expanded passenger rail service in Kansas, but it’s nice to have both a plan and the demand to justify pursuing such projects in the future.

‘Mission: Impossible’ star Graves dies in LA

By Bob Thomas - Associated Press Writer

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A7

Peter Graves, the tall, stalwart actor likely best known for his portrayal of Jim Phelps, leader of a gang of special agents who battled evil conspirators in the long-running television series “Mission: Impossible,” died Sunday.

2 snowmobilers killed in Canadian avalanche

Associated Press

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A7

An avalanche that killed two people at an informal snowmobile rally in Canada’s Rocky Mountains may have been triggered by three daredevil sledders who apparently unleashed a deadly wall of snow on up to 200 people below, witnesses said Sunday.

Russia invasion hoax panics Georgia

Associated Press

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A7

Georgians have been panicked by a hoax television news program announcing the Russian army had invaded and killed President Mikhail Saakashvili.

Studies show aggressive measures for diabetics make many worse

By Thomas H. Maugh Ii - Los Angeles Times

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A7

It seemed like a good idea at the time. Diabetics are at an unusually high risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes, so treating them intensively to sharply reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels and sugar levels should be highly beneficial. But a decade of studies in thousands of patients show that is not the case.

Nature vs. Nintendo: Lawrence parents raise kids outdoors in a plugged-in world

By Phil Cauthon

March 15, 2010

Sandy Beverly distinctly remembers when video games first came out in the ’70s. As a kid, she spent lots of time playing text-based adventure games on an early Texas Instruments computer, then the classic “Pong,” and, eventually, her parents got an Atari for games like Pac-Man.

Teachers unsure of next assignment

Budget cuts mean district likely to shuffle educators around

By George Diepenbrock

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A1

Amanda Vail was named one of the state’s outstanding first-year teachers last school year. Now, Vail and 188 other Lawrence teachers who haven’t yet earned tenure are waiting to learn the fallout from the district’s budget cuts.

KU students working on project learn lessons to last a lifetime

By Shaun Hittle

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A5

For Kansas University photography student Megan Bigbee, telling the story of some local cancer survivors made a significant impact not only her photography, but also on her life.

Saturation patrols set for Spring Break

Staff Report

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A5

Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies announced they will amp up their patrols this week during spring break.

Dance, dance revolution: KU Dance Marathon unites students, community to benefit Children’s Miracle Network

By Richard Gintowt

March 15, 2010

When staging a dance marathon, one would be wise to do some research. A 1974 dance marathon at the University of Virginia for the benefit of Multiple Sclerosis resulted in a misdemeanor charge and a $363 bill for a stolen lamp. Organizers later discovered that the Code of Virginia banned events of physical endurance such as marathon dances, citing safety concerns. Kansas University’s Dance Marathon — scheduled to take place April 10 at the Ambler Student Recreation Fitness Center — will take heed of such historical guffaws and treat participants to a non-illegal, non-rigorous slate of activities to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.

Putting up the fight of his life: Baker student finds resources to battle cancer

By Mallory Saunders - Special to the Journal-World

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A3

Rex Prior was only 8 years old when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Twenty-six years later, in December 2008, the Baker University student was rushed to the emergency room at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, where a blood clot was discovered in his lung. He was told that his cancer, diagnosed as stage IV, was back.

Records request sheds light on drug interdictions

By Jesse Fray

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A3

Kansas Highway Patrol troopers in 2009 seized nearly $27 million in drugs from the state’s highways, according to information obtained through an open records request.

Kansas Democrats file formal complaint against House Speaker O’Neal

By Scott Rothschild

March 15, 2010 in print edition on A3

House Democratic Leader Paul Davis of Lawrence has, with other Democrats, filed a complaint against House Speaker Mike O’Neal, R-Hutchinson, alleging that O’Neal, an attorney, has created a conflict of interest by representing businesses and trade groups in a lawsuit against the state.