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
Contributed photo
KU researcher wins competitive NASA fellowship
Hayley Beltz, a postdoctoral researcher at KU, has earned the highly competitive NASA Hubble Prize Fellowship.
Contributed photo
KU researcher wins competitive NASA fellowship
Hayley Beltz, a postdoctoral researcher at KU, has earned the highly competitive NASA Hubble Prize Fellowship.
MORE GOOD NEWS
Tricia Masenthin/Lawrence Times
Averill family to stage Christmas show and ‘big party’ with vaudeville roots
The moment they’ve all been waiting for soon will arrive. Finally, Ric and Jeanne Averill will perform on stage at the same time with their children, Will and Trish. The big event will take place on the mainstage at Lawrence Arts Center à la “Drunken Christmas Carol.”
At Ampersand RadLab, KU students use design as a force for good
KU design professor Ryan Clifford works at the intersection of design and social impact. As the faculty lead for Ampersand RadLab, a new student-run project focused on community engagement, he’s helping young adults harness the power of visual art as a force for good.
Mac Moore, KSHSAA Covered/Contributed photo
Free State football standout commits to KU; ‘I can be near my support community,’ he says
Calvin Clements, a senior at Free State High School and Jayhawk fan growing up, is staying home for college.
Tricia Masenthin/Lawrence Times
At Nostalgia Room, Lawrence’s new nonalcoholic bar, sobriety and sentimentality mix together
Memories and feelings of family converge at Nostalgia Room, telling the story of Emily Kate Johnson’s sobriety — and of how she opened the new sober bar in East Lawrence.
Chansi Long/Lawrence Times
Angeles Panaderia, a new bakery in Lawrence, carries on family tradition
Six mornings a week at his new Lawrence bakery, Javier Angeles bakes the breads and pastries his father taught him to make in Mexico.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Santa rescued from Weaver’s rooftop yet again; Lawrence townspeople rejoice
Much to the relief of concerned Lawrencians, Santa Claus was rescued from a department store rooftop Friday following the kickoff celebration of the holiday season in downtown Lawrence.
Contributed
Lawrence to unveil its own PFLAG chapter for LGBTQ+ individuals, allies
Family members, friends and advocates of those identifying as LGBTQ+ soon will have a new local resource to help them and their loved ones.
Mac Moore/Lawrence Times
Lawrence high school Unity Step Team encourages individuality, self-confidence
One minute the practice gym echoes with jokes and laughter, and the next, it fills with rhythmic stomping and clapping. More than just an extracurricular activity, the Unity Step Team is cherished by its members.
Jack Ritter/Lawrence Times
Lawrence High School seniors celebrate newfound scholarship opportunities
A new partner has helped 90 Lawrence High School seniors find more than $82 million in potential scholarships.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Performance by Tweesna Rose Mills portrays Indigenous history
Tweesna Rose Mills, from the Shoshone-Yakama-Umatilla Nations, spent weeks preparing for her performance, “Footsteps of Our Ancestors.” The hourlong show honored Indigenous culture, history and lineage.
Rob Holysz/Contributed photo
Hari Kondabolu to return to Free State Festival with socio-political commentary, new dad jokes
People face heavy issues these days, but comic Hari Kondabolu doesn’t think we should shy away from them — even while taking in a comedy show. After all, the best stand-up routines bring about some kind of healing, he says.
Carter Gaskins/Lawrence Times
Self-advocate Kathy Lobb to retire but still fight for disabled Kansans
When Kathy Lobb retires Monday, she’ll vacate her position at the Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas, but she’s not leaving the field. She’ll continue advocating for Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After all, there’s still a bill named after her that she wants to see resurrected and turned into law.
Chansi Long/Lawrence Times
Photos: Angels, Sanderson sisters and more trick-or-treaters enjoy Enchanted Forest
Hundreds of children and adults flocked to the Prairie Park Nature Center’s Enchanted Forest Trail-or-Treat Sunday afternoon.
Carter Gaskins/Lawrence Times
Dana Dyer and his Half-Acre of Fear await visitors
The cluster of gravestones jutting from Dana Dyer’s backyard beckon you to stop as you drive by.
Heather Sommerhauser/Contributed photo
‘NORTH: The Musical,’ a story about Underground Railroad freedom-seekers, to make world premiere at Lied Center
A newly commissioned musical is set to make its world premiere at the Lied Center this month, sharing stories of former enslaved Black Americans who were far more than their circumstances.
Slow Rise Donuts are a hit at Lawrence Farmers’ Market
Slow Rise might be the name of one of Lawrence’s newest donut businesses, but its rise has been anything but slow. This family-owned operation is known for their small-batch, handcrafted sourdough donuts, which owners Jeff and Jessica Dunkel started slinging at the Lawrence Farmers’ Market this season.
KU professor and physicist receives MacArthur Foundation genius grant
“The first feeling was definitely disbelief”: A KU professor and researcher has received the prestigious “genius grant” from the MacArthur Foundation.
Molly Adams/Lawrence Times
Lawrence activist Mattie Bell’s environmental advocacy centers both the planet and people
When Mattie Bell advocates for a thriving environment, they simultaneously advocate for human rights. This fervent passion for social justice began at a young age.
Molly Adams/Lawrence Times
Americana Music Academy to celebrate 20 years serving Lawrence
Since its founding, Americana Music Academy has survived personal losses, financial struggles and a global pandemic. The nonprofit will celebrate 20 years serving Lawrence with a concert on Thursday.
Tricia Masenthin/Lawrence Times
Lawrence high school gymnastics program highlights its seniors, comeback after brush with closure
Supporters of the Lawrence school district’s gymnastics team showed up at the Sports Pavilion on Sunday to honor their high school seniors and take stock of the program they fought to save.
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