Wednesday, August 27, 1997
The University Daily Kansan
Section A · Page 7
Trail maintenance falls on Lawrence's shoulders
City responsible for upkeep of bike, walking path
By Ann Premer
Kansan staff writer
The South Lawrence Trafficway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail should be pothole-free for cyclists, skaters, walkers and joggers.
The Lawrence City Commission decided last night that the city would be responsible for the upkeep of the path.
The maintenance of the trail, which was dedicated July 31, will include minimal mowing and maintaining the path's surface and signs, said David Corliss, city director of legal services.
The five-mile trail, which cost $1,225,000, was financed through a transportation enhancement project. The Kansas Department of Transportation paid for 80 percent of the the project with federal funds, and Douglas County and Lawrence each paid for 10 percent of the trail, said Harold Benoit, transportation enhancement project administrator.
Matt Caldwell, Lawrence senior and KU Environs member, said that the trail was well-suited for recreation, but said the city needed bike trails for alternate transportation.
The trail, which starts near 31st and Iowa streets, is 10 feet wide and lined with shoulders.
Kurt Zschietzschmann, Overland Park senior and
member of the KU Cycling Club, said the trail was safe and clean. He said there were no potholes or slick spots, which made for a worry-free ride.
Construction on the next phase of the path is scheduled to begin next month and should be completed by early next year, said Doug Stephens, Douglas County inspection supervisor.
In other business, the commission voted unanimously to delay demolishing three east Lawrence homes for 30 days. If the homes do not meet city code's after the 30 days, they will be demolished.
Also, the commission delayed the razing of a house at 909 Pennsylvania. A Lawrence group wants to restore the 19th-century home and move it to Hobb's Park to serve as a visual reminder to the past.
After listening to public comments about downtown parking, the commission decided to forego action until more information was gathered.
Ragweed sprouting tears
By Sarah Chadwick Kansan staff writer
Those long, hot walks to class are getting worse for some University of Kansas students. Ragweed, the most common seasonal allergy, is at its peak and it is aggravating the mucus membranes of the allergic.
"In August, September and even early October, some weeds produce allergens. Ragweed is the most common," said Randall Rock, Wattkins Memorial Health Center chief of staff. "We're nearly in peak season now."
Ragweed may also irritate people with asthma, making their breathing problems more severe, and weaken the immune system.
Ragweed typically causes runny noses, itchy and watery eyes, congestion of the upper and sometimes lower respiratory system and fatigue, Rock said.
"When the mucus membranes are inflamed, like they are when irritated by ragweed, it makes you more susceptible to other viruses and infections," Rock said.
While avoiding ragweed is not
wholly possible for those walking on campus there are things that can help ease the effects.
"Minimize your exposure to the allergen," Rock said. "This may mean keeping your windows closed and letting the air conditioner filter the air. After sleeping with the windows open, you may wake up with a stuffy nose and an achy head if you're bothered by raweed."
Deb Howes, coordinator for the Center for Peer Health Promotion, suffers from ragweed every fall. She suggested a way to reduce its effects.
"A doctor recommended to me that instead of showering in the morning, shower at night," Howes said. "That way the pollen gets on you during the day. Then you shower instead of going inside, laying down on your pillow and making yourself more miserable at night."
Showering at night washes the allergens out of hair and off the body so they are not transferred to couches, chairs and pillows, she said. This minimizes ragweed's effects indoors.
Facts about ragweed
Ragweed is most prevalent during August, September and October.
It irritates the eyes, nose and lungs and may cause fatigue.
Over-the-counter medicine can ease its effects.
Non-sedating prescription medicine are available for a higher price.
Over-the-counter medications are available, as well as prescription medications that are non-sedating.
"A nasal steroid spray may also work," Rock said. "A spray, which you take before the onset, stabilizes mucus membranes, preventing a runny nose and itchy eyes from developing. For people with lots of problems, that's a good choice."
Republican high on marijuana research
The Associated Press
SACRAMENTO (AP) — Attorney General Dan Lungren, lampooned in the comic strip "Doonesbury" for raiding a marijuana buyer's club in San Francisco, said yesterday he'll support a three-year study of the drug's medical value.
The conservative Republican was a vigorous opponent of last November's Proposition 215, which legalized the cultivation, possession and use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
"Although I still believe Proposition 215 was a dumb idea, and that most voters didn't know about the legalization agenda that was behind it ... the voters in California have made it clear that they want — in the words of the initiative — 'seriously ill Californians to have the right to obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes,'" Lungren said. "That's a reasonable and rational position to take."
But it leaves unanswered the question of when marijuana use might be appropriate, and what conditions the drug might help
treat, Lungren said. He added that the study will help answer those questions.
He joined Democratic state Sen. John Vasconcellos yesterday, one of the Legislature's most liberal members, in supporting legislation authorizing and funding the research.
The bill would create a Marijuana Research Center at a campus of the University of California and would fund it with about $1 million a year for three years. Private donations would also be accepted.
JAYHAWK PHARMACY AND MT. OREAD PHARMACY
Now One Location!
FREE DELIVERY·843-0111 or 842-9982
Pharmacists: Bill Axcell and Pat Hubbell
at Mt. Oread
JAYHAWK PHARMACY
- Computerized Medication Monitoring All Major Insurance Accepted
- Patient Counseling Drug Information 15% Sr. Citizen Discount
- Friendly Hometown Service Call us and compare our Low, Low Prices.
Home Owned Since 1980 by Bill & Nan Axcell
located in Mt. Oread Medical Arts Centre 3510 Clinton Parkway Place
843-0111 or 842-9982 · Fax 843-3818
Kansan Correspondents Meeting:
*Friday August 29 at 4 p.m.
- Room 111 Stauffer Blunt Hall (Newsroom)
•Interested students or all majors should attend
•Questions? Contact Ann Marchand or Spencer Duncan at
864-4810 or e-mail at amarchand@kansan.com
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES KU's Volunteer Headquarters: The Center for Community Outreach
Invites you to an informational meeting;
Wednesday, Aug. 2' 7 p.m.
English Room
Kansas Union
Thursday, Aug. 28
6 p.m.
Jayhawk Room
Kansas Union
Wednesday, Sept. 3
7 p.m.
International Room
Kansas Union
Tuesday, Sept. 2
8 p.m.
Pine Room
Kansas Union
Monday, Sept. 8
8 p.m.
Pine Room
Kansas Union
Representatives From:
Youth Volunteer Corps
Community Internship Program
Students Tutoring For Literacy
Natural Ties
Jubilee Cafe
College Bound
Alternative Spring Break Jayhawk Connection Youth On Board Concerned,Aware & Active Students Youth Student Council
Get info to set you up with almost any agency you would want to know!
The Power of ONE Can Make a Difference For more information, call 864-4073
Hillcrest Shopping Center 9th & Iowa St. 749-1666
Daily Specials
Mon. $1.50 Domestic Btls.
Tue. $2 Micros & Imports
Wed. $1.50 Pints
-including Guinness & Newcastle
Thur. $1.50 Corona
Fri. All Shots $2
Sat. $1.50 Wells
POOL, DARTS, PINBALL 50+ BEERS & FULL BAR
BROOKLYN