Also from January 19

Births

• Ashley Lentz and Joey Slifer, Lawrence, a boy.
• Donald Hinck and Cassie Tomlinson, Lawrence, a boy.
• Ginger Kincaid and Michael Ellsperman, Lawrence, a girl.
• Nancy and Todd Jadlow, Lawrence, a girl.
• Jinny and Christopher Fratiello, Lawrence, a girl.

Chats

• Hal Jensen: Westar Energy’s SmartStar program director answers your questions about smart meters being installed in Lawrence

Obituaries

• Ruby Marie Klaus, Plainville
• Mary Florence Grammer, Lawrence
• Kathryn K. Brown, Lawrence
• Gladys L. Hysten Bryant, Perry
• Sylvia Luevada Smith, Lynnwood, Wash.
• Robert C. Biszantz Jr., Lawrence
• Diana Lee (Mullan) Stevenson, Oskaloosa

On the street

• What’s your favorite kind of spicy food?

Photos

View all of this day's photos (65)

Photo galleries

Polls

Who is KU's best bench player?

Poll results

Response	Percent
Thomas Robinson		65%
Brady Morningstar		14%
Travis Releford		11%
Mario Little		5%
Elijah Johnson		1%
Jeff Withey		1%
Other		0%
Total	5424

What is your favorite nickname for a snow storm?

Poll results

Response	Percent
Snownami		27%
Snowmageddon		25%
snOMG!		25%
Snowpocalypse		22%
Total	584

Videos

• A videographer’s walk through downtown Lawrence Wednesday afternoon captured the …
• Union Pacific railroad workers fix rails in subzero temperatures, as …
• As much as 5-8” of snow was expected to fall …
• Lawrence Police officer Mike Verbanic was promoted to detective on …
• Kansas Governor Sam Brownback hosts the kick-off to the state-wide …

All stories

Brittney Griner, Baylor women crush KU, 76-37

By Ben Ward

08:54 p.m., January 19, 2011 Updated 01:00 a.m. in print edition on B1

Baylor center Brittney Griner contributed 22 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks, leading the No. 1 Baylor women’s basketball team to a 76-37 victory over Kansas on Wednesday night at Allen Fieldhouse.

Four-star RB Anthony Pierson commits to KU football

J-W Staff Reports

06:05 p.m., January 19, 2011 Updated 01:38 a.m. in print edition on B1

Anthony Pierson, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound senior running back from East St. Louis High School in downstate Illinois, has orally committed to Kansas University’s football team, Rivals.com reports.

Ex-roommate testifies in aggravated robbery trial

By George Diepenbrock

January 19, 2011

A former roommate of a 22-year-old Topeka man accused of robbing a Lawrence convenience store in 2009 testified Wednesday that he believed a sawed-off shotgun in a surveillance photo belonged to the defendant.

Brownback directs top Republicans to produce reforms to address budget crisis

By Scott Rothschild

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A1

With a sense of urgency, Gov. Sam Brownback on Wednesday renewed his call for reforming school finance, the public pension system and taxpayer-funded health care.

Kansas House conservatives file abortion legislation

JOHN MILBURN, Associated Press

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A2

Filling a request from Gov. Sam Brownback, a coalition of Kansas House conservatives filed legislation on Wednesday to tighten state regulations on abortion.

Kansas public university leaders: Budget cuts have prompted departure of faculty members

By Scott Rothschild

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A1

Leaders of several of Kansas’ public universities said Wednesday that they have lost some star professors due to recent state budget cuts.

Federal officials allege MagnaGro owner violated terms of probation

By George Diepenbrock

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A5

Federal officials say a Lawrence man who owns MagnaGro International was taken into custody last week amid allegations he violated his probation from a 2009 case involving illegally discharging fertilizer waste into the city’s sewer system.

KU women’s game vs. Baylor will be played as scheduled Wednesday night

J-W Staff Reports

January 19, 2011

The Kansas women’s basketball team’s game against Baylor at 7 p.m. Wednesday night will be played as scheduled, the KU athletic department confirmed Wednesday afternoon.

Lawrence police adding features to website, including crime map

By George Diepenbrock

02:47 p.m., January 19, 2011 Updated 04:06 p.m. in print edition on A5

The Lawrence police department Thursday plans to make public its new website that includes a map of all crimes reported in the city in 2010.

Educators from Basehor provide funds for KU scholarships

By Andy Hyland

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A6

Two longtime Basehor educators have provided for three Kansas University scholarships as part of a $780,000 estate gift.

Lottery commemorating Kansas’ 150th birthday with 10 paintings of the state

By Brenna Hawley

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A5

The Kansas Lottery is commemorating Kansas’ 150th birthday with 10 paintings of the state, which will be on display from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday at Landmark National Bank, 4621 W. Sixth St.

Lawrence police officer promoted to detective, will specialize in domestic violence cases

By George Diepenbrock

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A3

As a police officer Mike Verbanic knows domestic violence can carry a stigma.

University of Texas reaches 20-year, $300 million deal with ESPN

Associated Press

12:57 p.m., January 19, 2011 Updated 12:00 a.m. in print edition on B2

The University of Texas, which already has one of the wealthiest athletic programs in the country, is lining up for even more money.

Dozens of Lawrence property owners have already received tickets for not shoveling sidewalks

By Chad Lawhorn

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A1

A total of 71 Lawrence property owners thus far have learned the hard way that the city is serious about having public sidewalks cleared of snow.

Tonganoxie educator wins statewide VFW award

By Shawn Linenberger

January 19, 2011

A longtime Tonganoxie educator has been named the Kansas Veterans of Foreign Wars teacher of the year.

KU’s Lawrence campus among weather-related cancellations for Wednesday, Jan. 19

By Whitney Mathews

11:06 a.m., January 19, 2011 Updated 05:57 p.m.

Closings and cancellations for Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011.

Town Talk: New secondhand store on 23rd Street; a Yellow House mystery; no more curry in a hurry; Fortune 500 ag company eyeing Lawrence

By Chad Lawhorn

09:56 a.m., January 19, 2011 Updated 11:59 a.m.

News and notes from around Lawrence and Douglas County:

Best Of Lawrence 2011: Auto service, best overall restaurant

By Stephen Montemayor

January 19, 2011

With voting beginning in a few days, we roll out the last of our categories to be previewed

Statehouse Live; Former education commissioner Corkins hired to lead legal department at SRS

By Scott Rothschild

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A3

He will lead the legal staff at one of the state’s largest agencies.

First Bell: Naming committees to follow ‘spirit’ of board policy; task force background available online; still time to run for school board

By Mark Fagan

January 19, 2011

Time for a another edition of First Bell, an early-morning rundown of news and other educational items involving schools in the area.

Heard on the Hill: New lizard species a sign of the messiah?; study shows many students make almost no gains in learning in first two years of college; former fine arts dean to return for concert

By Andy Hyland

January 19, 2011

Your daily dose of news, notes and links from around Kansas University.

KU’s Bill Self ‘not too excited’ after win

By Gary Bedore

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B1

One of the 35 NBA scouts at Monday’s Kansas-Baylor basketball game briefly interrupted a Bill Self media session in a hallway in Ferrell Center. “Beautiful basketball, Bill,” the talent evaluator said as he walked briskly past KU’s coach, following the No. 2-ranked Jayhawks’ 85-65 victory over the Bears.

Gov. Sam Brownback shows easy fixes for saving energy to launch Take Charge! Challenge

By Christine Metz

January 19, 2011 in print edition on C6

Launching a state-wide energy challenge that pits Lawrence against Manhattan, Gov. Sam Brownback spoke in terms the cities’ residents were likely to understand: basketball.

K-State plunges out of top 25 rankings

Doug Tucker, Associated Press

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B6

As the final seconds ticked away in Colorado’s first victory over Kansas State in 10 games, a loud voice in a quiet arena rang out.

Gentry leads LHS

J-W Staff Reports

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B4

Riley Gentry led the Lawrence High boys bowling team on Tuesday at the Seaman Quad at Gage North.

FSHS girls win; boys second in bowling

By Ben Ward

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B4

The same pin seemed to be eluding Free State senior Justin Walthall.

City Commission briefs from Jan. 18 meeting

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A6

West Lawrence residents say to no hotel; rezoned decision postponed; ‘Let’s Move’ application moving forward

Royals pitcher Meche retires

Associated Press

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B4

Royals pitcher Gil Meche retired on Tuesday at age 32, walking away from a $12 million salary rather than face shoulder surgery that could have ended his season before it ever started.

Seabury tops Oskaloosa

J-W Staff Reports

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B4

Seabury Academy’s boys basketball team defeated Oskaloosa, 52-44, on Tuesday at the McLouth Tournament.

High school sports roundup: De Soto girls edge Tonganoxie

J-W Staff Reports

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B4

Despite holding the De Soto High girls basketball team to no field goals in the final six-plus minutes, Tonganoxie couldn’t capitalize and fell Tuesday in the first round of its home tournament.

Haskell women fall short

J-W Staff Reports

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B4

The Haskell Indian Nations women’s basketball team slowed down No. 8 College of the Ozarks, but it wasn’t enough, as it fell, 57-48, on Tuesday at Coffin Complex.

Veritas girls top Heritage

J-W Staff Reports

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B4

Kayli Farley scored 18 points, Ellen Phillips added eight points and five rebounds and Veritas Christian’s girls basketball team defeated Heritage Christian, 44-32, on Tuesday night.

Veritas plays ‘best game’

J-W Staff Reports

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B4

Elijah Penny scored 16 points and Veritas Christian’s boys basketball team defeated previously-unbeaten Heritage Christian Academy, 48-45, on Tuesday.

Firebirds victorious

J-W Staff Reports

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B4

Free State High’s swimming and diving team took the top two spots in the 200 medley relay and the Firebirds won the Blue Valley Southwest Invitational on Tuesday.

Firebird finishers: Garcia, Robinson take charge for Free State

By Clark Goble

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B1

Unlike most of their young team, Free State juniors Lynn Robinson and Jackie Garcia had city showdown experience.

Commission recommends denial of permit for Jefferson County strip club construction

By Joe Preiner

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A3

The Jefferson County Zoning and Planning Commission on Tuesday evening recommended denial of a conditional use permit that would allow the construction of a strip club near area schools.

Jayhawks in the NBA

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B3

Here’s a look at how former Jayhawks fared in NBA action on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011.

Long shots doing well in playoffs

Associated Press

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B3

The NFL can’t be upset with so many upsets in the playoffs.

Mike Tomlin, Rex Ryan ’similar’

Associated Press

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B3

One is loud. One isn’t. One speaks his mind. One doesn’t. One has a Super Bowl title as a head coach. The other’s still in search of one.

Kansas faces challenge of No. 1 Baylor

By Ben Ward

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B1

While dominating her opponents earlier this season, Kansas University women’s basketball forward Carolyn Davis was asked how eager she was to be tested by the taller, more physical forwards in the Big 12, like, say, Baylor’s Brittney Griner.

Lawrence woman reports stolen 1997 Toyota Camry

Staff reports

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A4

A 37-year-old Lawrence woman reported to police that someone stole her 1997 Toyota Camry valued at $5,000 around 10:35 p.m. Thursday from the Easy Living Mobile Home Park, 3323 Iowa.

Haskell student reports stolen 2006 Cadillac

Staff reports

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A4

A 19-year-old Haskell Indian Nations University student reported someone stole his 2006 Cadillac CTS car, valued at $19,000, around 3 a.m. Sunday near 15th and Elmwood streets in east Lawrence. Police later recovered the vehicle.

Lawrence man reports scratch on 1996 Cadillac

Staff reports

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A4

A 50-year-old Lawrence man reported to police Sunday that someone had scratched his brown 1996 Cadillac between 3 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Sunday in the 1900 block of Haskell Avenue. Damage was estimated to be $2,000.

Newton woman reports stolen 2007 Ford Focus

Staff reports

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A4

A 26-year-old Newton woman reported to police Sunday that someone had stolen her gold 2007 Ford Focus, valued at $18,000, from the 3400 block of Harvard Road between 8 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday.

KU student reports stolen property valued at about $1,000

Staff reports

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A4

A 23-year-old Kansas University student reported to police Friday that $1,084 in property, including diamond stud earrings, prescription medications and cash were taken from the 700 block of Michigan Street sometime between Dec. 15 and Friday.

Study shows students’ learning limited in college

Eric Gorski, Associated Press

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A7

A new study provides disturbing answers to questions about how much students actually learn in college — for many, not much — and has inflamed a debate about the value of an American higher education.

Texas Tech gives Tommy Tuberville extension

Associated Press

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B2

Texas Tech coach Tommy Tuberville has been given a one-year contract extension that runs through 2015 and a raise that boosts his annual salary to $2 million, the school announced Tuesday.

Owner Davis remains ruler of Raiders

Monte Poole - The Oakland Tribune

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B2

His physical presence has lost its vibrancy, but his mind still races and his mouth still roars.

St. Louis hires McDaniels as O.C.

Associated Press

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B2

The St. Louis Rams hired former Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels as their offensive coordinator on Tuesday.

Creative cuts: Lawrence artists stand to lose thousands of dollars in Brownback’s proposed budget

By Sarah Henning

January 19, 2011

The city’s arts community says it will suffer greatly if the governor truly eliminates funds to the Kansas Arts Commission.

Some Treece homeowners not sold on taking buyouts

Associated Press

January 19, 2011 in print edition on C6

Potential contamination from heavy minerals and the ever-present danger that homes could be swallowed in a sinkhole aren’t enough to make some residents leave the southern Kansas mining community of Treece.

Tax battles move to states

Cal Thomas

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A8

The contrast between what Illinois Democrats did last week and what Republicans have done in Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Virginia and New Jersey, could not be clearer.

Violent culture

Joe Douglas, Lawrence

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A8

I don’t know what led to the vicious attack on Rep. Giffords and the indiscriminate wounding and killing of many of her fellow citizens. A common thread for people who plan or attempt such acts is a sense of worthlessness, failure and powerlessness.

Connect dots

Stephen Egbert, Lawrence

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A8

Only marginally less despicable than the shooting rampage in Arizona has been the unseemly but predictable rush by a certain class of politicians, pundits, and reporters to politicize the shootings.

Relief may be short-lived at KU

Mike Hoeflich

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A8

Not surprisingly many folks at Kansas University are breathing a sigh of relief that Gov. Brownback’s proposed budget does not suggest further cuts to higher education, or at least appears not to.

Pound foolish

Cutting state funding for community mental health services isn’t a good investment in the state’s future.

J-W Editorial

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A8

Kansans understand that the state is facing a difficult budget year, but even in a tough year, some cuts just don’t make sense.

Ex-director of Kansas Cosmosphere hired by Eureka company Invena Corporation

JOHN GREEN, Associated Press

January 19, 2011

Max Ary, former director of the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, has been hired by a specialty design and manufacturing firm in Eureka to lead its “advanced projects group.”

Sprint raising data fees $10 per month starting Jan. 30

PETER SVENSSON, Associated Press

January 19, 2011

Sprint is applying an additional $10 per month data fee on new smart phones, starting Jan. 30.

KCMO police chase ends when suspect runs into McDonald’s

January 19, 2011

Kansas City police chased a suspect driving a car at high speeds through residential areas before the driver stopped and ran into a McDonald’s, where he was taken into custody.

Kansas adjutant general staff briefs Federal and State Affairs Committee

Associated Press

January 19, 2011

Members of a Kansas Senate committee were briefed on the Kansas National Guard, but without the guard’s marquee presenter.

Trial starts for Kansas airman accused of hiding his HIV

ROXANA HEGEMAN, Associated Press

January 19, 2011 in print edition on A5

A lawyer for an Air Force officer accused of having unprotected sex with multiple partners without telling them he’s HIV positive told a military judge Tuesday that recent scientific research shows such action doesn’t amount to aggravated assault.

Patriot Flag honoring 9/11 responders arriving in Fort Scott for Kansas’ 150th birthday

Associated Press

January 19, 2011

Fort Scott’s celebration of Kansas’ 150th birthday will include a special flag this month.

25 years ago: Faithful KU fan celebrates 70 years of season tickets

By Sarah St. John

January 19, 2011

Ninety-year-old Wealthy Babcock was celebrating her 70th season of owning season tickets for Kansas University athletic events.

40 years ago: Pro-gambling amendment proposed in Kansas House

By Sarah St. John

January 19, 2011

A constitutional amendment was introduced on this date in the Kansas House which would have repealed the provision stating “lotteries and the sale of lottery tickets are forever prohibited.”

100 years ago: Lawrence fire department to choose between additional fire station or new ‘automobile fire wagon’

By Sarah St. John

January 19, 2011

“Would it be more economical for Lawrence to purchase an automobile fire wagon or to establish another fire station? This is a question which the Merchants Association is trying to solve.”

RHP Davies, K.C. agree

Associated Press

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B5

The Kansas City Royals and right-hander Kyle Davies have agreed to a $2.3 million, one-year contract that avoided arbitration.

Tyrel Reed steadies Jayhawks

By Tom Keegan

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B1

The NCAA required Josh Selby to sit out Kansas University’s first nine games for accepting extra benefits. Mario Little sat six games for the behavior that led to his middle-of-the-night arrest. Brady Morningstar lost his jumper 10 games ago.

Big 12 men’s basketball roundup: Upstart Nebraska upends Colorado

Associated Press

January 19, 2011 in print edition on B6

Most seasons, a victory over Colorado wouldn’t mean that much. But Tuesday night’s victory against the surprise team of the Big 12 meant a lot, especially after two tough road losses to No. 13 Missouri and No. 2 Kansas.

Horoscope for Jan. 19

Jacqueline Bigar - King Features

January 19, 2011

This year you will change course. Others can be difficult, and you find relating one on one to be better. You will resist groups and group meetings. If single, Cupid arrives in your neighborhood this summer. If attached, you start acting like newlyweds again after you move through a volatile issue. Leo understands much more than you think.

Can ‘American Idol’ endure without edge?

Kevin McDonough - United Feature

January 19, 2011

Critics and pundits have been predicting the demise of “American Idol” (7 p.m., Fox) for the better part of a decade. And sooner or later, one of them is going to be right.