Our favorite kinds of stories to tell — highlighting good things happening in Lawrence and Douglas County.
The image at the top of this page is from the August 2022 Pooch Plunge. Check out the full gallery at this link.
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LATEST GOOD NEWS

Haskell graduates encouraged to press on while leaning on community
There’s no place like Haskell Indian Nations University, the university’s commencement speaker said Friday, speaking from experience. Nearly 180 graduates were recognized.
MORE GOOD NEWS

Powwow at Hillcrest Elementary School draws hundreds of community members
School powwows are common in areas with large Native American populations, but Saturday’s powwow at Hillcrest Elementary was a first for Lawrence schools.

Art students, teachers celebrated at Lawrence Arts Center’s Vanguard Awards
Art students and their teachers celebrated their award-winning artwork Friday evening at the annual Vanguard Awards during the opening reception for the USD 497 Exhibition.

Youth-led inclusive period pantry to host block party in Lawrence amid leadership shift
As the founders of Honor Moon’s period pantry and nonprofit foundation make their transition from high school to college, they’re teaming up with incoming leaders for a community event.

Young woman who had a stroke at last KU powwow returns, walks powwow circle a year later
Corrin Lamere, 23, on Saturday evening walked around the powwow circle where she suffered a severe stroke last year, and her family thanked community members for their support throughout her healing.

Free State journalism teacher wins KSPA award for excellent new adviser
Free State High School journalism adviser Jared Shuff has been recognized by the Kansas Scholastic Press Association for his zeal for building a strong program.

Lawrence community member earns Native Advocacy Award named for KU staff member
Elwood Ott, a Lawrence advocate for suicide prevention and mental health, has earned an inaugural award celebrating support of Native American students.

Shivers abound as Lawrence students, educators take a cold dip, raise $18K for Special Olympics
Sunshine and temps in the low 60s were a welcome contrast to arctic wind chills a week ago. Still, that combination proved a bit deceptive Thursday afternoon as students and educators took the Special Olympics Polar Plunge outside Lawrence High School.

Mystery organizer cultivates monthly mug hunt in Lawrence
An enigma, a Lawrence resident hides mugs around town every first Saturday of the month in hopes that all will be found. The Lawrence Mug Hunt draws folks of all ages and is free for everyone to participate.

Santa is saved once again; Lawrence townspeople celebrate
Much to the relief of the Lawrence community, Santa has been rescued from the rooftop of Weaver’s Department Store once again.

Indigenous rapper Supaman inspires Lawrence youth with stories of resilience, Native American culture
Hip-hop beats and positive lyrics filled Billy Mills Middle School’s main gymnasium Tuesday morning during an all-school assembly led by Supaman, the Indigenous rapper and fancy dancer.

Douglas County shatters early in-person voting record; likely second-highest overall turnout
Douglas County voters who cast their ballots early in person shattered the previous record by more than 5,300 votes, and the top election official expects this to be the second highest turnout the county has seen.

Kids, families, couples trick-or-treat in downtown Lawrence
Downtown Lawrence’s annual trick-or-treating event drew flocks of people decked out in their Halloween costumes, including a massive praying mantis, several movie characters, and some feelings.

Craft Corner offers community connections, creative outlet at Lawrence senior living centers
Residents have an opportunity to revisit an old hobby or learn a new skill at more than a dozen senior living homes across Lawrence through Visiting Nurses Association’s Craft Corner.

Lawrence social worker gleans inspiration from the people and pets she helps stay together
The way Maddie Lockett sees it, the crux of social work involves helping, empowering and connecting people with community resources. Lockett has found that job at Lawrence Humane Society but with a bonus: also helping animals.

KU architecture students celebrate new outdoor classroom, pavilion at Prairie Park Nature Center
Students in a KU architecture class on Saturday celebrated a new pavilion they designed at Prairie Park Nature Center using old road signs and other repurposed materials.

Furry booksellers make a comeback at Raven Book Store
Ready to serve and slumber, a fluffy and friendly trio has settled into their respective roles at Raven Book Store in downtown Lawrence.

Lawrence Virtual School team wins national STEM competition
A team of three Lawrence Virtual School students has won the eighth grade division of the eCYBERMISSION National Judging and Educational Event, each student earning a $10,000 savings bond.

Lawrence AUMI ensemble earns award for disability advocacy
Members of a Lawrence band that uses adaptive technology to make music on iPads are being recognized by the state for their work exploring music-making across abilities.

Latest Douglas County drug court graduates celebrate completing this step of their journeys
Three new graduates of Douglas County drug court can now start with a clean slate and continue to build on the people they’ve grown to be throughout their time in the program.

Community members share what Lawrence PRIDE events mean to them
Several community members who gathered for Lawrence PRIDE parade and party Saturday shared that inclusivity, self-expression and acceptance make the events what they are.
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