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
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Rosy-cheeked rascal from the North Pole gets stranded again; Lawrence firefighters to the rescue
Lawrence was abuzz ahead of Friday’s downtown holiday lighting ceremony, wondering if Santa would once again find himself in an embarrassing predicament. The jolly man did not disappoint.
MORE GOOD NEWS
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.
Molly Adams/Lawrence Times
Congresswoman Sharice Davids visits Haskell for conversation with student leaders
Congresswoman Sharice Davids shared with students some ways that she’s overcome self-doubt, what advice she’d give her younger self, her hopes for the future and more during a visit to Haskell Indian Nations University Friday.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
‘The buzz is amazing’: KU football hype is energizing Lawrence, boosting business
The Kansas Jayhawks football team is 5-0, ranked 19th in the AP poll and angling for its first postseason bowl game appearance since 2008. And the team’s surprising success on the field is rippling through the community.
Lawrence Times news team celebrates 3 prestigious awards and honors
The Lawrence Times news team on Thursday announced two prestigious new awards and an honorable mention recognizing the publication’s community journalism and investigative prowess.
Molly Adams/Lawrence Times
Lawrence Times names Maya Hodison engagement director
Maya Hodison, equity reporter, has been named engagement director for The Lawrence Times. She’ll work to advance one of the most important tenets of our mission: connecting closely with our community.
Cuyler Dunn/Lawrence Times
Lawrence High School marching band prepares for special 100-year anniversary show
The Marching Lions’ Centennial Celebration show will feature a wide array of music that aims to highlight the culture of the Lawrence High School band and build upon 100 years of tradition and history.
Tricia Masenthin/Lawrence Times
Cordley Elementary’s Hawk Families share diversity through book groups, inclusive stories
A new set of picture books at Cordley Elementary will be used to bridge age gaps and experiences. ”Hawk Families” have launched for monthly get-togethers aimed at highlighting the unique lived experiences and diversity of Cordley families.
Molly Adams/Lawrence Times
Haskell’s Welcome Back Powwow builds community, honors tradition
Haskell Indian Nations University on Saturday hosted its Welcome Back Powwow, giving students an opportunity to come together for healing and tradition.
Molly Adams/Lawrence Times
Haskell Indian Nations University holds Welcome Back Powwow
Haskell Indian Nations University held its Welcome Back Powwow Saturday night, drawing hundreds for music, food, dancing, culture and tradition.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
KU fans ‘pack the Booth’ as Jayhawks roll to victory over Duke; block party set for next week
Kansas fans “packed the Booth” Saturday for only the second sold-out football game in nearly 13 years, and their team did not disappoint.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Some new Jayhawks have hatched outside the Kansas Union
A new statue commemorating an alum’s contributions to the Kansas Memorial Union was unveiled Friday.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Free State High School orchestra students to perform with KC Symphony at free concert in Lawrence
Free State seniors Morgan Kimuri and Mei Gordon Washington practice cello every day, many mornings before dawn. The community will be able to witness the girls’ and their classmates’ dedication firsthand during a free concert with the KC Symphony’s Mobile Music Box Tuesday at South Park.
Molly Adams/Lawrence Times
Lawrence High to assist Special Olympics film crew with national inclusion campaign
The efforts of students in Lawrence High’s Interpersonal Skills class have not gone unnoticed. Students will be under the bright lights Wednesday when a Special Olympics film crew visits the school.
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