Charleston Daily Mail

Early Dismissals Under Fire: ; Parents Say Days Limit Class Time, Present; Scheduling Problems

DAILY MAIL STAFF Some Kanawha County parents are objecting to the addition of another shortened school day each month, saying the school system's calendar already has numerous early dismissal days.

Graham's Influence a Concern: ; State Attorneys Say Wife's Connections to Senior Center Give Embattled Director Access

DAILY MAIL CAPITOL REPORTER State attorneys still have concerns about operations at a Wyoming County senior center, even though embattled director Bob Graham has been stripped of his duties until his legal battles are resolved.

Bill Curbs Teen Use of Cell Phones: ; Legislation Bans Drivers Under Age 18 From Using Handhelds Except in Emergencies

DAILY MAIL STAFF They can't vote, smoke, drink or buy a dirty magazine.

Gop Senate Candidate Raese Blasts Byrd for Placing Ad On Blog: ; Republican Hopeful Says Incumbent Aligned with the 'Far Left Wing'

DAILY MAIL STAFF U.S. Senatorial candidate John Raese has fired the first shots in a potential political face-off against Sen. Robert C. Byrd.

Police Officer, Dog Trapped in Car

State Briefs

Man charged with killing tenant during argument

Magistrate Court to Have Longer Hours On Weekends

Kanawha County Magistrate Court will stay open longer on the weekends, according to an administrative order signed by the county's seven circuit judges. Starting March 18, the county's magistrate court will be open from 8 a.m. until midnight on Saturdays and Sundays.

Official Says No to Pay Cuts at Union Stamping

Workers at South Charleston's Union Stamping and Assembly plant would rather the 84-year-old facility close its doors than take a pay cut company officials have proposed, a union official said. "If they're serious about taking concessions, it's going to shut down. We're not going to take that cut," said Emil Clark, chairman of the United Auto Workers Local 3399, which represents the plant's 274 hourly employees.

Woman Named Dean of Wvu's Journalism School

Maryanne Reed, who has served as both the acting and interim dean of West Virginia University's Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism, was officially named dean of the school today. Reed replaces Christine Martin, who now serves as vice president for institutional advancement under WVU President David Hardesty.

Politician Performs Heimlich, Saves Life of Opponent

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - State Sen. John Giannetti was waiting for his take-out order of penne pasta and meatballs at an Italian restaurant when he saw a man choking. Giannetti rushed over, performed the Heimlich maneuver and dislodged a chunk of seafood - saving the life of his political rival.

Toddlers' Helping Hands Show Signs of Altruism

WASHINGTON - Any parent can relate tales of a wobbly toddler's endearing desire to help out. Now scientists have documented it, in a study suggesting that the capacity for altruism emerges as early as 18 months of age. It was a simple experiment to illustrate fairly sophisticated brain development: Tots watched as psychology researcher Felix Warneken did ordinary tasks, such as using clothespins to hang some towels.

Okla. Fires Blamed On Arson: ; Blaze Destroys Homes, Forces Evacuations

OKLAHOMA CITY - Authorities took one man into custody on suspicion of arson and were searching for another after a wildfire in southwestern Oklahoma destroyed at least 30 homes and forced the evacuation of two schools, a nursing home and area businesses. The fire was one of several fueled by gusty winds and high temperatures. Seven firefighters were injured while fighting the blazes.

Bush Announces Plan to Share Nuclear Know-How with India

NEW DELHI - President Bush got a victory today on his first visit to India, securing a landmark nuclear energy agreement that he says could help ease energy prices in the United States. Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced the deal, which will open most Indian reactors to international inspections and provide the growing nation with U.S. nuclear technology, during a joint news conference after meeting privately to hammer out details.

Attack Kills U.S. Diplomat in Pakistan: ; About 50 People Were Injured, Including a Girl Hit by Debris

KARACHI, Pakistan - A suicide attacker rammed a car packed with explosives into a vehicle carrying an American diplomat in Pakistan's largest city, killing four people - including the diplomat - ahead of President Bush's visit to Pakistan. Bush condemned the attack near the U.S. Consulate and a luxury hotel in Karachi, and said "terrorists and killers" would not prevent him from going to Pakistan on the final leg of his tour of South Asia.

Weather Almanac

Yesterday's high 57 Record high 77, 1976

Tonight

Mostly cloudy. A chance of flurries after midnight. Lows in the 30s. Friday

Regional Weather

Hi Lo Otlk Akron 30 20 PCldy

National Weather

Hi Lo Otlk Anchorage 28 16 PCldy

Nation & World

$10 bill getting makeover just in time for spring

Obituaries: ; Obit

Clyde Denver Adkins Clyde Denver Adkins, 58, of Summersville died Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2006, in the University of Virginia Hospital, Charlottesville.