Also from March 24

Births

• Jesse and Kimberly Williams, Lawrence, a girl.
• Travis and Melissa Robinson, Lawrence, a girl.

Blog entries

• Operation 100 News blog: Still more than 500 without power in south central Lawrence

Obituaries

• Edgar Dale Kearney, Lawrence
• Monica Dare Witt Johnson, Lawrence
• Catherine L. Mills, Lawrence
• Gordon Dean Wakeman, Baldwin City
• Aaron Eugene Koons, Winchester
• Ida Mae Collinsworth, Eudora
• Karen Sue Keogh, Perry
• Bill Bodin, Boulder, Colo.
• Albert Doege, Tonganoxie
• Duke W. Barnhill Jr., Lawrence
• Stephen Randall Sharpe, Wichita

On the street

• Would you like to fly in a space plane?

Photos

View all of this day's photos (21)

Photo galleries

Polls

Should Lawrence's public high schools be four-year schools?

Poll results

Response	Percent
Yes		76%
No		20%
Not sure		3%
Total	937

Videos

• Expect cool showers and cool temperatures overnight tonight. The rain …
• East Heights Childhood Center likely won’t be empty for long. …
• The Lawrence Humane Society fell victim to thieves. Aluminum cans …
• Lew Perkins has asked for organizations within KU Athletics to …
• The Kansas House passed a bill Wednesday that would allow …
• The Kansas House approved plan for a rainy day fund. …
• The Jayhawk Bookstore may one day become a bar if …
• The Health Care Freedom amendment failed a second time in …
• Kansas University is going green with new energy efficiency measures. …
• The lady Jayhawks will once again match up with the …
• The coach of Northern Iowa, the team that took out …
• The Kansas State Wildcats have advanced to the Sweet 16 …
• The Jayhawks’ baseball team crushed Baker University 16-0 in just …
• The Firebirds’ baseball team emerged with a victory behind some …
• Temperatures will remain pretty steady, ranging from the middle 40s …
• The afternoon drive could be a touch slower than usual …
• The roads will be a bit wet this morning as …
• Gavon Laessig (right) and Eric Graves attempt the “Sumo Challenge” …
• Mary Jane Williams discusses her life following her diagnosis with …

All stories

Chambers of commerce urge Legislature to consider tax increase, as well as budget cuts

Lawrence chamber not among 14 in state signing letter to leaders

By Scott Rothschild

06:09 p.m., March 24, 2010 Updated 06:17 p.m. in print edition on A3

Fourteen chambers of commerce on Wednesday said they could support “rational state revenue enhancements” to fix the current budget crisis.

Supporters of KU athletics standing behind KU, despite federal and internal investigations

By Mark Fagan

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A5

People who support Kansas Athletics Inc. and oversee the university itself are confident that investigations into potential illegal distribution of tickets for Kansas University athletics events will not lead to the discovery of widespread problems.

KU announces plans for energy efficiency improvements expected to save $2 million per year

By Andy Hyland

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B8

Work being done today on the Kansas University campus is expected to result in an annual $2 million in energy savings later.

Entrepreneur aims to bring new pedal-powered business to downtown Lawrence

City to give opinion on business modeled after Minnesota venture

By Chad Lawhorn

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A3

Lawrence entrepreneur Luke Stone has asked City Hall leaders to consider a change in city code that would allow for a new type of pedal-powered vehicle that will seat up to 16 people around a bar-like table.

Perkins names interim director of Williams Fund

By Mark Fagan

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A5

KU Athletics Director Lew Perkins announced Wednesday evening that he’s appointed Jennifer Berquist, associate director of the Williams Fund, as its interim director.

Preliminary discussions under way about Boys and Girls Club taking over East Heights building

New occupant needed as early-childhood programs set to vacate facility

By George Diepenbrock

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A1

The Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence has expressed interest in using the school district’s East Heights building after the early-childhood programs move into Kennedy School next school year.

Kansas House approves bill to regulate strip club industry

Senators approve bill to protect victims of child pornography

Associated Press

March 24, 2010

Kansas legislators approved two bills Wednesday aimed at the strip club industry and protecting victims of child pornography.

Free State baseball game against St. James Academy to be held today at 5 p.m.

By Dugan Arnett

March 24, 2010

The Free State High baseball team’s Tuesday road game against St. James Academy, which was postponed due to inclement weather, has been rescheduled for today at 5 p.m. at Free State High School. The game will represent the Firebirds’ season-opener.

Last effort to save ‘Health Care Freedom Amendment’ fails in Kansas House

Associated Press

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A4

The Kansas House has rejected an attempt to save a proposed “Health Care Freedom Amendment” to the state constitution.

Kansas House approves amendment to require state to establish rainy day fund

Associated Press

March 24, 2010

The Kansas House has approved a measure to amend the Kansas Constitution to require the state to set up a rainy day fund.

Regents vice chair: KU ticket investigation ‘goes deeper’ than a simple campus matter

By Mark Fagan

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A1

An internal investigation at Kansas University — and, by extension, stretching into federal law enforcement — is looking into potentially illegal activities regarding the distribution of athletics tickets.

Lawrence auto dealership is ‘business as usual’ after feds search two SW Kansas lots

By George Diepenbrock

01:38 p.m., March 24, 2010 Updated 09:31 p.m. in print edition on A4

As federal, state and local authorities executed a search warrant Tuesday at a Liberal auto dealership, a Lawrence dealership with ties to the one in southwest Kansas was operating on Wednesday.

Lawrence High softball canceled

J-W Staff Reports

March 24, 2010

The Lawrence High C-team softball games scheduled for this afternoon at Shawnee Mission North have been canceled due to weather in the Kansas City area.

Dole Institute staffer to return to teaching

By Andy Hyland

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A3

The associate director of programming at Kansas University’s Dole Institute of Politics is stepping down to return to teaching and writing.

City seeks volunteers to help with spring planting in downtown Lawrence

By Chad Lawhorn

March 24, 2010

The city’s parks and recreation department is seeking volunteers to help plant flowers in downtown Lawrence.

Kansas House advances bill to increase penalties for sex abuse in prisons

Associated Press

March 24, 2010

Kansas House members have tentatively approved a bill that would increase penalties for certain sex crimes committed in state prisons.

Residents oppose zoning plan for bars, eateries

By Janet Reid

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A4

Bars and boarding houses are expected to make for a busy night at the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission.

House approves concealed carry on campus

By Scott Rothschild

11:00 a.m., March 24, 2010 Updated 12:00 p.m. in print edition on A1

Under the bill, persons who are licensed to carry a concealed gun would be allowed to bring a weapon into a state or city facility unless the building had adequate security measures, such as electric scanners, to ensure that no weapons could be brought in.

Senate panel may rewrite gambling laws to give racetracks bigger cut of slot revenue

Associated Press

08:29 a.m., March 24, 2010 Updated 04:52 p.m.

A bill that supporters say will revive Kansas’ all-but-dead racing industry with racetrack slot machines cleared a Senate committee Wednesday.

Age-appropriate jobs get young cooks started

By Susan Krumm

March 24, 2010 in print edition on C3

I know that I should let my 3-year-old help out in the kitchen, but I’m always in a hurry to get the meal on the table.

Super Rice Fighter 5: Can I eat 5 rice bowls in an hour (while wearing a diaper) for the DonDon Sumo Challenge?

By Gavon Laessig

March 24, 2010 in print edition on C1

Though our men’s basketball team is already knocked out of the NCAAs, it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy other homegrown athletics…

Top chefs, restaurants nominated for food ’Oscars’

By Cain Burdeau - Associated Press Writer

March 24, 2010 in print edition on C3

The James Beard Foundation on Monday named nominees for its coveted food, beverage and restaurant prizes.

Putting restaurant salads to the test

Consumer Reports

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B9

So you ordered the salad instead of the burger. Good for you — or maybe not!

Top earners at 5 bailed-out firms will receive pay cuts

By Martin Crutsinger - Associated Press Writer

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B9

The administration’s pay czar said Tuesday that the top 25 earners at five companies still receiving extraordinary aid from the government’s bailout fund will be paid an average 15 percent less in 2010 than in 2009 under his restrictions.

‘Fly Girls’ and the demeaning of life

By Kevin McDonough

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B8

Entrepreneur and Virgin corporate chief Richard Branson is a very rich man. But all the money in the world can’t remove the dank aroma of desperation that clings to any tycoon dumb enough to appear in a reality series as thoughtlessly demeaning as “Fly Girls” (8 p.m., CW).

People in the news

Associated Press

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B8

People in the news for March 24, 2010.

Horoscope for March 24, 2010

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B8

This year, expect the unexpected. This summer could surprise you. What could be a mistake is to hold on to what isn’t working. If you are single, you could meet someone who knocks your socks off. If you are attached, the two of you break into a brand-new world together. Someone born under the sign Cancer can be oh so emotional.

LHS baseball will play Friday at Free State’s field

By Dugan Arnett

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B5

A particularly harsh Kansas winter has put construction of Lawrence High’s new baseball facility behind schedule, leaving the Lions forced to play their 2010 home-opener at a neutral location.

Three-month sentence requested for Arenas

Associated Press

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B6

Prosecutors are portraying Gilbert Arenas as a thuggish intimidator who tried to pressure his teammate into a cover-up, as they argue for a three-month jail sentence for the NBA star on a weapons charge.

Gridiron Club: Still in the works

By Matt Tait

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B5

A banner hanging on the facade of Memorial Stadium, pictured above on Tuesday, indicates that the Gridiron Club, a lavish 3,000-seat, $34 million expansion project on the east side of the stadium, is still, in fact, “Coming Fall 2010.”

Meche hoping not to miss any starts for Royals

The Associated Press

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B5

The Kansas City Royals are hoping Gil Meche’s stiff right shoulder won’t cause him to miss any starts.

Journal-World All-Area Girls Basketball First Team

Staff reports

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B4

Chantay Caron, senior, Free State The area’s top all-around player. Averaged 14.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while anchoring the Firebirds’ press. Finished with team-high 20 points and 12 rebounds in sub-state championship game victory over Shawnee Mission West to lead Free State to its first Class 6A state tournament berth in three years. Will play basketball at Kansas State next year. Journal-World’s player of the year.

Economy forcing school closures

By Heather Hollingsworth - Associated Press Writer

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A7

In a neighborhood dotted with boarded up homes, trash and gang graffiti, McCoy Elementary has been an oasis.

How will the health care bill affect me?

By Phil Galewitz - Kaiser Health News

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A6

The health care overhaul package is the most far-reaching health legislation since the creation of the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Macias’ game-winning hit lifts KU baseball

By Chuck Woodling

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B1

Brandon Macias was an unlikely candidate to produce a game-winning hit.

FSHS girls soccer falls, 3-0, in spring opener

By Matt Tait

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B1

The way Jason Pendleton saw it Tuesday night, his Free State High girls soccer team appeared to be flying down the California freeway and the visiting Washburn Rural Junior Blues were a gang of highway patrol officers.

All-Area Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Free State’s Caron achieves elusive goal

By Dugan Arnett

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B4

Entering her senior season, there wasn’t a whole lot Free State girls basketball standout Chantay Caron had left to accomplish.

Talks may bring labor peace for Boeing

By Susanna Ray - Bloomberg News

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B9

Boeing, the target of four machinist strikes in two decades, may find the road to labor peace starts in Kansas, where a supplier and the union are working on a contract they say may set an industry blueprint.

Ole Miss edges Texas Tech in 2OT

Associated Press

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B3

Mississippi coach Andy Kennedy was proud of his team’s resiliency on Tuesday night as Ole Miss defeated Texas Tech, 90-87, in two overtimes in the quarterfinals of the National Invitation Tournament.

Hochevar effective in Royals’ tie

Associated Press

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B2

Kansas City Royals right-hander Luke Hochevar threw one pitch he is going to have to answer for in a 5-5 tie with the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday.

NFL changes overtime rule for playoffs

Associated Press

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B2

The NFL has changed its overtime rules for playoff games. Starting next season, if a team wins the coin toss and then kicks a field goal, the other team gets the ball. If the game becomes tied again after that next series, play will continue under the current sudden-death rules.

Britain expels Israeli diplomat

By David Stringer - Associated Press Writer

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A10

Britain took the extraordinary step Tuesday of expelling an Israeli diplomat for the first time in more than 20 years, after concluding there was compelling evidence that Israel was responsible for the use of forged British passports in the plot to slay a senior Hamas operative in Dubai.

Study: Last Supper paintings supersize the food

By Marilynn Marchione - Associated Press Writer

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A10

Has even the Last Supper been supersized?

Judge agrees lesbian’s rights violated

By Shelia Byrd - Associated Press Writer

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A10

The prom’s still off at a Mississippi high school that canceled it instead of letting a lesbian student bring her girlfriend, but a federal judge ruled Tuesday that the district’s actions did violate the teen’s constitutional rights.

Plan supported

By George Brenner - Lawrence

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A9

I would like to publicly thank Rep. Dennis Moore for his support of health care reform legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. This important legislation will significantly increase insurance coverage for millions of Americans, reduce health insurance company abuses, provide families and small businesses with more options for insurance, close the “donut hole” for seniors’ prescription drug coverage and otherwise improve health care accessibility.

Precious lives

By Sue Hess - Lawrence

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A9

Sunday night, watching and listening to Congress debate then vote to pass the health care bill, lack of decorum and anger showed themselves. Then one representative shouted, “Baby killer!”

Phelps response

By Margie Phelps - Topeka

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A9

Columnist Michael Smerconish (Journal-World, March 20) encounters a few words he doesn’t like on our picket signs, and his raw raging rebellion goes off the chain.

Compost cops

By Doug Burger - Lawrence

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A9

Last Thursday I was one of many who took advantage of the city’s compost sale. The public works folks do us all a great service with these sales and contribute significantly to the beauty of our city’s lawns and gardens. Much thanks go to the folks who provide this service and handle the enthusiastic response smoothly, cheerfully and efficiently.

The ‘monsters’

By Mary Gerstenkorn - Lawrence

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A9

No matter your age or health, when the snowstorms arrive, you know you need to clear a path in your driveway, which extends across the walk to the street. And, heaven forbid, don’t forget that long sidewalk. The work is hard and tiring, and, having completed this, you return to the warmth inside and plop into the nearest chair.

100 years ago: Plans in place for new department store

Staff reports

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A8

From the Lawrence Daily World for March 24, 1910: Innes, Bullene and Hackman has completed the purchase of the McCurdy buildings at the southwest corner of Massachusetts and Warren and will soon begin constructing a thoroughly modern building with 50-foot frontage on Massachusetts and a 117-foot frontage on Warren. Well-known architects are already making plans for the new department store site and it should be a major feature for the city.

25 years ago: Legislators discuss changes to liquor laws

Staff reports

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A8

Legislative groups in Topeka continued to scuffle over the exact wordings for various liquor issues. Included were the issues of liquor-by-the-drink and the raising of the state drinking age from 18 to 21.

School board reverses desegregation plan

Associated Press

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A7

The school board in North Carolina’s capital city narrowly agreed Tuesday to roll back a policy that buses students to achieve diversity, following a tense meeting at which three people were arrested, others were forcibly removed and heated arguments echoed passions from an era past.

Police car purchase stays in the city

Staff reports

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A7

A change to the city’s purchasing policy resulted in increased business for a Lawrence car dealer on Tuesday.

City moves to acquire Farmland

By Chad Lawhorn

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A7

City commissioners on Tuesday said they’re ready to finalize a deal to take over ownership of the former Farmland Industries fertilizer plant.

Health care reform timeline: Immediate change, long-term steps

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar - Associated Press Writer

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A6

When President Lyndon Johnson signed the Medicare law in 1965, seniors got their health insurance cards less than a year later.

Boundary change crosses the line

Kennedy parents upset at move

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A3

Kennedy School parents and staff members said Tuesday night that plans for next year to reorganize the school blindsided them.

Fuel needle points to higher prices

By Mark Fagan

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A3

Drivers in Lawrence are paying an average of $2.681 per gallon for gasoline these days, up 19.4 cents from a month ago and 80.3 cents from a year ago. And it’s only likely to get worse.

Pump patrol

Staff reports

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A3

The Journal-World found gas prices as low as $2.63 at several stations.

Scouting for Food set for Saturday

Staff reports

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A3

A food drive sponsored by the Boy Scouts is set for this weekend in Eudora and Lawrence.

Health department board expands

Staff reports

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A3

Five new members will join the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department board next month.

Indian military to weaponize chili

By Wasbir Hussain - Associated Press Writer

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A2

The Indian military has a new weapon against terrorism: the world’s hottest chili.

Obama, Netanyahu meet amid Jerusalem settlement dispute

By Matti Friedman and Matthew Lee - Associated Press Writers

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A2

President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Tuesday in an unusual pair of low-profile meetings at the White House amid a serious dispute about settlement construction.

Amtrak seeks $446M to replace aging fleet

Associated Press

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A2

Amtrak, the long-distance passenger railroad, is asking Congress for $446 million to begin replacing locomotives and passenger cars as President Barack Obama increases transportation spending on rail.

8 children stabbed to death at school

Associated Press

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A2

A former medical worker allegedly stabbed to death eight young children and wounded five others Tuesday in a bloody rampage outside an elementary school in eastern China.

Delayed retirements give big cities gains

Associated Press

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A2

Battered by recession, more older Americans are staying put in traditional big cities to hold onto jobs, creating slowdowns in population growth at once-popular retirement destinations widely found in the South and West.

Fed cracks down on gift card abuses

Associated Press

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A2

The Federal Reserve issued new rules on Tuesday to protect Americans from getting stung by unexpected fees or restrictions on gift cards.

China thwarts Google’s censorship detour

Associated Press

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A2

Google’s attempted detour around China’s Internet censorship rules was met with countermeasures Tuesday by the communist government, which blocked people on the mainland from seeing search results dealing with such forbidden topics as the pro-democracy movement.

Fighting middle-age spread harder than you think

Associated Press

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A1

Rev up the treadmill: Sobering new research spells out just how much exercise women need to keep the flab off as they age — and it’s a lot.

Library expansion wins early city support

$18M plan could go on Nov. ballot

By Chad Lawhorn

12:00 a.m., March 24, 2010 Updated 02:19 p.m. in print edition on A1

A plan to ask voters in November to approve an $18 million expansion of the Lawrence Public Library won some early support at City Hall on Tuesday.

Successful search

Kansas University’s provost search committee should be congratulated on its work to attract a top candidate for the job.

J-W editorials

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A8

Congratulations to professor Mabel Rice and her associates for what appears to be a highly successful search and recruiting process to find a new provost for Kansas University.

Woods’ latest step in a weak one

By Tim Dahlberg - Associated Press Sports Columnist

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B2

Tiger Woods gave us five minutes. It seemed an awful lot longer.

Ex-Jayhawk Jackson cut by Cavs

Associated Press

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B2

The Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday released second-year power forward Darnell Jackson.

Ritchie Price making strides at South Dakota State

Anthony Pellettiere - Journal-World Sports Writer

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B5

About the time most of us start playing T-ball or coach-pitch, when the bats are about as big as we are, Ritchie Price was learning the intricacies of baseball.

Loss hurts, but Self excited for future

By Gary Bedore

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B1

Bill Self has been able to put Kansas University’s season-ending basketball loss to Northern Iowa in perspective.

Strong support: Ballard well-respected by peers, players at Baker

By Matt Tait

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B1

First came Phog Allen and now there’s Brett Ballard. Tuesday afternoon, Baker University president Pat Long introduced Ballard, a former Kansas University men’s basketball player and 2003 KU graduate, as the school’s 24th men’s basketball coach.

All-Area Girls Basketball Coach of the Year: Firebirds’ Duncan credits players

By Dugan Arnett

March 24, 2010 in print edition on B4

As far as Free State girls basketball coach Bryan Duncan is concerned, the credit for his coaching success in 2009-10 rests exclusively in the hands of his players.

40 years ago: Chamber names new secretary-manager

March 24, 2010

William P. Gaut, industrial and business development manager of the Evansville, Ind., chamber of commerce, was named new secretary-manager for the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. He was 30 and succeeded Keith Winter who had left here for an Amarillo, Texas, position.

Economy spurs pessimism

By Mike Hoeflich

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A9

I usually don’t write about the economy, but, like many Americans, particularly those planning for retirement, I am becoming quite concerned about the next ten years or so. There are a number of things that I find alarming.

Nation must see racist acts for what they are

By Leonard Pitts Jr. - Miami Herald

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A8

So it turns out that, contrary to what I argued in this space a few weeks back, racism is not “a major component” of the so-called tea party movement. I am informed of this by dozens of tea party activists indignant and insulted that I would even suggest such a thing.

Iraq leaders must end sectarian revenge

By Trudy Rubin - Philadelphia Inquirer

March 24, 2010 in print edition on A8

Dear Prime Minister Maliki: I’m writing you at a time when the outcome of Iraq’s election is still uncertain. Your political bloc may get a plurality of votes — or not. Even if you win the most parliamentary seats, you will have to struggle to form a governing coalition, which may take months.