Today’s news

Also from May 9

Lead stories

12:00 a.m.
The Lawrence High School football team huddles up after the Friday, October 19, 2007, game against Free State High School at Haskell Stadium. School board members will consider options for improving high school athletic facilities without a tax increase or bond issue at their 7 p.m. Monday meeting at district headquarters, 110 McDonald Drive. Stadiums, new turf on drawing board
By George Diepenbrock
May 9, 2008 in print edition on 1A
Lawrence could have two high school football stadiums with artificial turf as early as next year under a plan for a $2.8 million project that emerged Thursday. “This isn’t just about one sport. This is really more about the total system and the total program,” Superintendent Randy Weseman said.
8:00 a.m.
Mike Knaus, left, and Abram Heffley install a quarter pole in the main council tent on the Beeghley farm south of Lawrence in preparation for this weekend's Old German Baptist Church Conference. About 5,000 church brethren are expected to attend the weekend event, which is being hosted by the local Douglas County congregation, the Willow Springs Old German Baptist Brethren Church. Religious meeting to draw 5,000
By Sarah Henning
May 9, 2008 in print edition on 1A
Charles Beeghley isn’t surprised by the number of cars driving slowly past his farm, south of Lawrence on North 650 Road. Wooden buildings have recently cropped up in his field. On Thursday, giant tents went up.

All stories

Haskell commencement and Powwow moved indoors
May 9, 2008
The Haskell Spring Commencement and the Spring Commencement Pow Wow will be held inside of Coffin Sport Complex.
There’s no one like Mom
By Garrison Keillor
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A11
The last time I witnessed a woman becoming a mother, it wasn’t anything like the frilly sentiments of Mother’s Day. She lay on her back, perspiring heavily and yelling, “Oh my God, why did you do this to me?
Siren policy
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A11
To the editor: Why is Douglas County so reluctant to warn its residents about tornadoes? When the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning last Thursday night, sirens did not go off.
Torture denial
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A11
To the editor: On Friday, April 11, President Bush admitted to ABC News that he personally had approved the meetings at which top officials authorized interrogation techniques of suspected terrorists, specifically including intermittent drowning (the administration’s preferred euphemism is “waterboarding”) and other techniques.
Speaker antics
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A11
To the editor: House Speaker Melvin Neufeld behaves like a 4-year-old child. When he doesn’t get what he wants, he asks again and again and again. Hey Melvin, be a good boy, will you? Eat your vegetables.
Siren call
Sounding the county’s tornado sirens too often could lessen their usefulness.
J-W Editorials
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A10
With the devastation of the tornado that struck Greensburg last year still fresh in their minds, it’s not surprising that local residents have a heightened concern about tornados and tornado warnings.
Clinton’s spin won’t change numbers
By George Will
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A10
Hillary Clinton, 60, Illinois native and Arkansas lawyer, became, retroactively, a lifelong Yankee fan at age 52 when, shopping for a U.S. Senate seat, she adopted New York state as home sweet home.
Americans may not be so free after all
By Leonard Pitts Jr.
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A10
I’d like to think it was the sangria talking. But the plain truth is, when Anna said she doesn’t find this country to be especially free, it was Anna talking. Granted, her complaint is hardly new. People often grouse about the lack of freedom in the land of the free.
Old Home Town - 25 years ago
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A10
City Commissioner Nancy Shontz came out publicly in favor of steel fabricator Walt Hull in the contest for the City Commission seat that had been vacated by the resignation of 10-year commission veteran Barkley Clark.
Old Home Town - 40 years ago
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A10
If Congress approved the $9.75 million request made by local officials for area water resources projects, the funds should provide big boosts for the Lawrence levees and the Perry and Clinton reservoirs, officials said.
Old Home Town - 100 years ago
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A10
From the Lawrence Daily World for May 9, 1908: “David Bispham, considered the world’s greatest baritone, has arrived here with his pianist and two or three ladies for a song recital at Robinson Gymnasium.
Horoscopes
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B10
New beginnings and good news come from detaching, intellectualizing and remaining open. The more willing you are to identify with others, the better your year could be. If you are single, you might want to date but not formalize a tie until next year. If you are attached, talk about long-overdue changes.
TV comedy saluting its past
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B10
Television would never survive a truth-in-packaging rule. I’m not sure what words would describe “Most Outrageous Moments” (7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., NBC), but I’d have to guess that at least two out of three would have to change if honesty were the only policy. OK, I guess there are some “Moments” there, but “Most” and “Outrageous” just don’t cut it.
People in the news
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B10
• Portrait of Heath Ledger wins award • Country music star Eddy Arnold dies • Mariah Carey spills wedding beans • ‘CSI’ star charged with felony drug possession • Ne-Yo focusing on foster care system
Facebook adding new safeguards
By Stephanie Reitz - Associated Press Writer
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A8
Facebook, the world’s second-largest social networking Web site, is adding more than 40 new safeguards to protect young users from sexual predators and cyberbullies under an agreement with officials nationwide that was announced Thursday.
Officials: Al-Qaida in Iraq leader arrested
By Patrick Quinn - Associated Press Writer
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A6
Iraqi police commandos captured the leader of al-Qaida in Iraq in a raid in the northern city of Mosul, Iraqi officials said Thursday, in what could mark a significant blow to the Sunni insurgency in its last urban stronghold.
Sectarian gunbattles break out in Lebanon
By Zeina Karam - Associated Press Writer
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A6
Running gunbattles raged in parts of Beirut on Thursday after the leader of Hezbollah accused Lebanon’s Western-backed government of declaring war on his Shiite militant group. At least four people were killed and eight wounded in the capital.
Lawmakers hash out farm bill
By Mary Clare Jalonick - Associated Press Writer
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A12
Married couples with joint incomes of up to $1.5 million from their farm operation could still qualify for crop subsidies under a five-year, $300 billion farm bill compromise that would boost the Agriculture Department’s food and farm programs.
Housing aid bills face vetoes
By Julie Hirschfeld Davis - Associated Press Writer
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A12
They’re trapped in loans they can’t afford and saddled with more debt than their homes are worth.
Wheat industry forecasts crop at 379 million bushels
By Roxana Hegeman - Associated Press Writer
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B12
Surpassing expectations, the 2008 winter wheat harvest in Kansas was forecast to top 379.1 million bushels, industry leaders said Thursday.
Mutt ’n’ Strut set for Saturday
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B12
The 13th annual Lawrence Humane Society Mutt ’n’ Strut will be Saturday. Mutt ’n’ Strut is a fundraising event for the animal shelter.
First major foreign aid flights finally let in by junta
Associated Press
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A7
Myanmar’s military regime allowed in the first major international aid shipment Thursday, but it snubbed a U.S. offer to help cyclone victims struggling to recover from a tragedy of unimaginable scale.
Airlines bump prices as gas costs soar
By Tom Incantalupo - Newsday
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B11
The same factors pushing gasoline prices to new records almost daily are making air travel more expensive, as airlines pour on the fuel surcharges just in time for the summer travel season.
Sellers offer to subsidize buyers’ financing
By David W. Myers
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B11
Tighter lending requirements and sluggish home sales have prompted many sellers to offer part of the financing needed to complete a transaction.
Commodities
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B11
Agriculture futures mostly traded higher Thursday on the Chicago Board of Trade. Wheat for July delivery rose 14.5 cents to $8.22; July corn added 17.75 cents to $6.3075; July oats fell 1 cent to $4.145; July soybeans gained 3 cents to $13.12.
Grubb & Ellis broker lands regional post
J-W Staff Reports
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B11
Kelvin Heck, broker, senior vice president and principal for Grubb & Ellis|The Winbury Group, Lawrence, has been appointed Central Region director for the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors.
Reece & Nichols Realtor ‘top performer’
J-W Staff Reports
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B11
Thomas Howe, a Realtor for Reece & Nichols Acres Realty, Lawrence, has been recognized by Reece & Nichols as the top-producing sales agent for Reece & Nichols Alliance Inc. for March.
Brandon Woods earns statewide PEAK Award
J-W Staff Reports
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B11
Brandon Woods Retirement Community, Lawrence, is among 10 retirement communities statewide to receive a Promote Excellent Alternatives in Kansas (PEAK) Award for 2008 from the Kansas Department on Aging.
Center to give awards
J-W Staff Reports
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B11
Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, Lawrence, will conduct a recognition luncheon at 11:45 a.m. today to present Employer of the Year and Employee of the Year awards for the center’s Support Employment division, which finds work for and supervises people who have had an acute mental illness and are wanting and able to return to the workplace.
Dissolving bodies could be an option
By Norma Love - Associated Press Writer
May 9, 2008 in print edition on C10
Since they first walked the planet, humans have either buried or burned their dead. Now a new option is generating interest — dissolving bodies in lye and flushing the brownish, syrupy residue down the drain.
More than half of US diabetics have arthritis
By Mike Stobbe - Associated Press Writer
May 9, 2008 in print edition on C10
More than half of U.S. adults with diabetes also have arthritis, raising a serious obstacle for diabetic patients urged to exercise, according to a government study.
Commencement cramming
Readers prepare for tongue-twister names
By Justin Pope - Associated Press Writer
May 9, 2008 in print edition on C10
A week from Saturday, 453 new graduates will cross the commencement stage on the lawn of Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn. Among them: Nokuthula Sikhethiwe Kitikiti, Udochukwu Chinyere Obodo, and Baitnairamdal Otgonshar.
Medical know-how of doctors increases their suicide risk
By Lindsey Tanner - Associated Press Writer
May 9, 2008 in print edition on C10
There’s a grim, rarely talked-about twist to all that medical know-how doctors learn to save lives: It makes them especially good at ending their own.
Filmmakers forge distribution network
By Jon Niccum
May 9, 2008 in print edition on C1
Lawrence filmmaker Kevin Willmott came to this realization: “Nobody cares about your film more than you do.”
‘Speed Racer’ provides bumpy ride
By Rick Bentley - The Fresno Bee
May 9, 2008 in print edition on C1
Brothers Andy and Larry Wachowski have rewritten the laws of nature to create the color palette for their new feature film “Speed Racer.” There are hues that have never been seen by the human eye. It’s a movie so bright you’ll have to wear shades.
Blue skies
Talented and tumultuous Wilco headlines unusual downtown outdoor concert
By Jon Niccum
May 9, 2008 in print edition on C1
Early in his professional career, bassist John Stirratt opened for The Replacements in Mobile, Ala. The headlining band had just released its 1987 masterwork, “Pleased to Meet Me,” and was becoming a legendary force in alternative rock.
District retirees to be honored
J-W Staff Reports
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A5
Lawrence schools, the teachers association and the school district will honor dozens of retirees at several receptions this month.
Victims’ photo helps cops nail suspect
Associated Press
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A2
Police say they had no trouble tracking down a robbery suspect, because the victims had taken his picture while chatting with him at a bar a short time before the theft.
Obama gets big welcome, fresh support on Capitol tour
By Nedra Pickler - Associated Press Writer
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A2
Sen. Barack Obama got a front-runner’s welcome back at the Capitol Thursday, pressing congressional “superdelegates” to support him in a visit that had the look and feel of a campaign victory lap.
Acting chief of federal police shot dead
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A2
Mexico’s acting federal police chief was shot dead early Thursday outside his home in Mexico City — a brazen attack as drug traffickers increasingly lash back at a nationwide crackdown on organized crime.
Putin signals he intends to stay in charge
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A2
When Boris Yeltsin left the Kremlin eight years ago, he gave Vladimir Putin the pen he had used to sign important documents and decrees, a gesture symbolizing the transfer of power to Russia’s new president.
PM denies taking illicit donations
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A2
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert denied fresh accusations that he illegally accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars from a U.S. citizen, but said Thursday night that he will step down if he is indicted.
Gov. vows to examine undercover procedures
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A2
New York Gov. David Paterson pledged to examine undercover police conduct on Thursday, a day after more than 200 people were arrested protesting the acquittal of three detectives involved in the shooting death of an unarmed man.
Morales agrees to recall vote
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A2
President Evo Morales has agreed to stand for election in a nationwide recall vote, gambling that Bolivians will re-elect him after just two years in office.
Diplomat receives key nuclear documents
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A2
North Korea handed detailed nuclear weapons records to the United States on Thursday, an important peek into the isolated regime’s bombmaking past but not enough to answer criticism that the Bush administration is grasping for a disarmament deal at any cost.
On the record
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A4
A 22-year-old Lawrence man reported that items valued at $1,580 were stolen, including a Nintendo Wii system and remote and several video games. The theft occurred Saturday in the 2000 block of Heatherwood Drive.
Memorial service will honor fallen officers
J-W Staff Reports
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A4
The Kansas Highway Patrol invites the public to attend the 26th annual Kansas Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service at noon today. The ceremony will begin in the rotunda of the Capitol in Topeka and will conclude at the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial on the Capitol grounds.
Obama voting event set for Saturday
J-W Staff Reports
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A4
The 2008 Barack Obama campaign will have a “Vote for Change” kickoff event Saturday in the Burge Union on the Kansas University campus, 1601 Irving Hill Road.
Wakarusa museum open for season
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A4
The Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum is now open for the season. The museum at Clinton Lake’s Bloomington Beach will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. It is open by appointment at other times. Call 748-9836.
Vintage prom utfits on display
J-W Staff Reports
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A4
The Jefferson County Historical Society will present “White Sport Coat & Pink Carnation,” a vintage prom and graduation dress display from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Old Jefferson Town on Highway 59 in Oskaloosa.
Local man’s butterfly photo displayed in DC
By Erin Castaneda
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A4
A Lawrence resident has captured an image of Monarch butterflies that is on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Stadiums, new turf on drawing board
By George Diepenbrock
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A1
Lawrence could have two high school football stadiums with artificial turf as early as next year under a plan for a $2.8 million project that emerged Thursday. “This isn’t just about one sport. This is really more about the total system and the total program,” Superintendent Randy Weseman said.
Residents add up damage from storm
Severe weather took toll on houses, boats, trees, school property
By Jesse Fray
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A3
It’s the calm after the storm, and victims are tallying up the damage. Hayden Wood said an adjuster put the price tag between $20,000 and $25,000 for damage to his rural Stull home, 1425 E. 150 Road. Strong winds tossed a stock trailer onto the roof of the home in the early morning hours of May 2.
Pump patrol
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A3
The Journal-World found gas prices as low as $3.55 at Quick Stop, 1000 W. 23rd St.
19-year-old accused of stabbing at shelter
J-W Staff Reports
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A3
Adam Mallamo, 19, Lawrence, was charged with attempted second-degree murder and had his first court appearance Thursday.
Wildflower sale set for Sunday at center
J-W Staff Reports
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A3
The city’s Prairie Park Nature Center will host its annual Spring Wildflower Sale on Sunday.
Share prom 2008 photos, stories
J-W Staff Reports
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A3
It’s spring, so it must be high school prom season.
Kiwanis Club honors ‘Substantial Citizens’
By Erin Castaneda
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A3
Three people were recognized Thursday by the Lawrence Kiwanis Club for outstanding community service. The main mission of the Kiwanis is to encourage volunteerism. Every year since 1960 public servants have been selected for their service to the community outside their professions.
Commentary: NCAA numbers only part of story
By Tim Dahlberg - Associated Press Sports Columnist
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B2
The people who run college athletics took time off the other day from counting the millions of dollars top athletes make for their schools to pat themselves on the back because more athletes are actually going to class.
Garcia tops at Players
Opening 66 good for two-stroke lead
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B2
Sergio Garcia put together his third straight impressive round at The Players Championship. The first two gave him a runner-up finish last year. The 6-under 66 on Thursday was only a strong start.
MU’s Lyons to return
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B2
Missouri forward Leo Lyons, who led the Big 12 Conference in field goal percentage, on Thursday withdrew his name from the NBA Draft and announced he would return for his senior season.
Huggins hurt in fall
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B2
West Virginia University officials say basketball coach Bob Huggins has been taken to a hospital in Charlotte, N.C., for precautionary reasons after tripping on an airport tarmac and hitting his head on the pavement.
James still cold; Cavs fall
Associated Press
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B3
Paul Pierce and Ray Allen found their shooting touch. LeBron James can only hope he left his in Cleveland.
Backcourt spurs San Antonio
Associated Press
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B3
The San Antonio Spurs’ Big Three congregated around the scorer’s table during a timeout in the fourth quarter, not long before they put the game away for good.
Mormon Jazz owner to skip Sunday game
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B3
Utah Jazz owner Larry Miller says he won’t attend Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals because it’s being played on a Sunday.
National League Roundup: Pirates complete sweep of Giants
Associated Press
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B4
Adam LaRoche hit a go-ahead single in a three-run seventh inning, and Pittsburgh rallied to beat San Francisco for a three-game sweep.
American League Roundup: Yanks’ power dooms Indians
Associated Press
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B4
Jason Giambi and the sluggish New York Yankees suddenly turned sluggerish. The Yankees played home run derby Thursday, with Giambi, Johnny Damon, Robinson Cano and Wilson Betemit connectings. Mike Mussina (5-3) won his fourth straight start and earned his 255th career victory.
Rec calendar
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B7
Various rides Tuesday through Sunday. Call Paul Corcoran at 842-5273 or e-mail pcorcoran@sunflower.com.
Citywide star party planned
Events seek to bring astronomy to masses
By Andrew Hartsock
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B7
The Astronomy Associates of Lawrence is throwing a star party, and the city of Lawrence is invited. In conjunction with national Astronomy Day on Saturday, the AAL will hold two events to bring stargazing to the masses.
KU softball faces Nebraska today
J-W Staff Reports
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B6
Kansas University may be only the No. 7 seed in the Big 12 Conference softball tournament, but the Jayhawks have an outside chance at earning an NCAA Tournament berth.
Schramka honored at scholar banquet
J-W Staff Reports
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B6
KU senior swimmer Terri Schramka was honored as the Robert Frederick Senior Scholar Athlete of the Year at the annual Jayhawk Senior and Scholar Athlete Banquet to top off a season of success for the 2007-08 Kansas swimming and diving team.
Baker to add two sports
J-W Staff Reports
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B6
Men’s wrestling and women’s bowling will be added to Baker University’s athletic department starting in the fall of 2009, increasing the Wildcats’ total varsity sports offerings to 21, Baker athletic director Dan Harris announced.
Ellrich honored
J-W Staff Reports
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B6
Kansas University senior infielder Justin Ellrich has been named to the Academic All-District Seven First Team, which is presented by ESPN the Magazine.
Powers opens with 80
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B6
Kansas sophomore Emily Powers, playing in the NCAA West Golf Regional as an individual, opened by shooting an 8-over-par 80 Thursday at Lincoln Hills Golf Club.
Lawrence High softball loses at SM North
J-W Staff Reports
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B6
The Lawrence High softball team lost, 7-2, at Shawnee Mission North on Thursday.
Veritas fourth at KCAA state
Eagles impress coach, post season-best round
By Jason Elmquist
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B6
Dinner is on Veritas Christian golf coach Greg Capps. After Veritas’ best team score of the season Thursday in the KCAA State Golf Tournament at Eagle Bend Golf Course, Capps will foot the bill for a team dinner.
Mayer: Self’s contract complex
By Bill Mayer
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B1
Simple, huh? A guy runs a stellar basketball program, wins two more league championships and the national title and deserves a new contract to keep Oklahoma State wolves at bay. Write it up, boost the pay and benefits to match other headline coaches’ goodies, throw in nifty bonuses and incentives and get it signed. It’s not that easy.
Recruiting young gaining popularity
By Gary Bedore
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B1
Like his buddy, Billy Gillispie, Kansas University coach Bill Self would accept an oral commitment from an eighth-grade basketball player. “I would take Lew Alcindor. I’d take Wilt, Danny and Lew,” Self said of former UCLA phenom Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) as well as KU greats Danny Manning and Wilt Chamberlain, whose exploits as players were well-known early in their stages of development.
Cabrera shuts down K.C., 4-1
By Doug Tucker - Associated Press Sports Writer
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B1
This was the guy who led the American League in losses last year? Actually, no, say Daniel Cabrera’s manager and teammates.
Crosstown repeat
Free State builds early lead, spoils Lawrence’s night again
By Matt Tait
May 9, 2008 in print edition on B1
Anything you can do, we can do better. So said the Free State High baseball team Thursday in the form of a 4-3 victory over crosstown rival Lawrence High at Hoglund Ballpark. One night after spotting the Lions a 4-0 lead and coming back to win, the Firebirds scored four runs in the first inning Thursday, but held on to win for their 16th victory of the season.
Budget includes bonds for pharmacy school
Legislature OKs $50M expansion for KU
By Scott Rothschild
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A3
For the Kansas University School of Pharmacy, the Legislature’s final budget bill was just what the doctor ordered. “We were sitting on the edge of our seat wondering what would happen,” Kenneth Audus, dean of the pharmacy school, said Thursday.
Opinion of legislative session depends on perspective
By Scott Rothschild
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A1
If the 2008 legislative session produced unanimity in one area, it was that most everyone was glad when it ended. Those wanting immigration reform didn’t get it; those wanting coal-fired power plants didn’t get them; and those wanting health care reform and a comprehensive energy plan — again, not this year.
Religious meeting to draw 5,000
German Baptists create small city south of town
By Sarah Henning
May 9, 2008 in print edition on A1
Charles Beeghley isn’t surprised by the number of cars driving slowly past his farm, south of Lawrence on North 650 Road. Wooden buildings have recently cropped up in his field. On Thursday, giant tents went up.
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