Latest in Lawrence Life
Lawrence Juneteenth celebration brings community together
South Park was packed Saturday with people celebrating Juneteenth, a holiday that honors Black history and liberation. This episode of Lawrence Times TV gives a glimpse into the celebration, which united people around community organizations, diverse food vendors, live music and poetry performances and more.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence Juneteenth community celebration inspires power for local change
Bill and Alcenia Shepard stationed themselves under a tree’s shade to enjoy the lively Lawrence Juneteenth celebration. They agreed that the secret to being together for 52 years is giving one another some space when needed. They also agreed that celebrating Black liberation means everything to them.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Photos: Juneteenth parade down Mass Street
The Lawrence High School drumline kept a steady beat as the Lawrence Juneteenth parade made its way down Massachusetts Street on Saturday morning.
Free seminar aims to provide resources to help kids boost their reading skills
Barbara Mullen, a former elementary school teacher, discovered something during the pandemic that disturbed her: kids she was teaching couldn’t read. She’s planning a free seminar to help parents give their kids a reading boost.
It’s kitten season, and the Lawrence Humane Society needs your help
The Lawrence Humane Society urgently needs fosters to take in dozens of kittens, with plenty more on the horizon as kitten season continues. Here’s how to help.
Natasha Torkzaban/Lawrence Times
Native Storytelling Workshop at KU aims to help students hone journalism skills, improve representation
High school students from across the country gathered at KU this week to attend the Native Storytelling Workshop, a camp held by instructors who aim to amplify Native voices through journalism.
Molly Adams/Lawrence Times
Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical demos trucks, hoses and more at open house
Despite Saturday’s rain, community members — including some potential future firefighters — showed up to see Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical personnel demonstrate how equipment works and more.
Natasha Torkzaban/Lawrence Times
Library’s How-To Festival draws Lawrence community members to learn and get their hands on new things
Community members gathered at the Lawrence Public Library’s How-To Festival Saturday to learn about a slew of hobbies, topics, volunteer opportunities and more.
Friends to open Picnic, a shop made for outdoor eating, in East Lawrence
Lou Wilson and Ryan Bowersox want to elevate your next picnic. The longtime friends and foodies have launched a picnic-inspired snack shop opening this Sunday in East Lawrence.
Molly Adams/Lawrence Times
Haskell Cultural Center and Museum reopens after being closed for years
The Haskell Cultural Center and Museum reopened Friday after years of being mostly closed to the public. It will resume normal hours starting next week.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Community invited to celebrate Juneteenth in downtown Lawrence; Macy Gray to perform
Celebration of Black liberation will be in full bloom next weekend as community members gather to honor Juneteenth in downtown Lawrence. Grammy Award-winning artist Macy Gray is set to perform at the event.
Deja’s Reading Rainbow to return to Lawrence Public Library
A Pride Month edition of Deja’s Reading Rainbow this weekend at the library will feature stories “embracing our local LGBTQ+ community and celebrating families of all kinds,” according to the host.
Positive Bright Start leader retires after nearly two decades leading the early childhood center
When Anna Jenny joined Positive Bright Start in 2004 as executive director, she brought a fresh approach to the early childhood educational organization.
Hannah Allison-Natale/Contributed
River Rat Print and Skate employees form union, finalize first contract
Employees of River Rat Print and Skate finalized their first union contract Wednesday morning. The union was voluntarily recognized by the store management.
The Raven Book Store’s bestsellers for June 6, 2023 (Sponsored post)
“What do tornadoes, Oklahoma oil rights, rural running, shipwrecks, and hot dogs have in common? They’re all subjects of the many great nonfiction books on this week’s Raven bestseller list!” the Raven Book Store writes.
Blade & Timber ax-throwing venue to return to Lawrence; owner will add mini golf, too
Matt Baysinger has a handle on what to do with his newly acquired space at 722 Massachusetts St., which formerly housed Signs of Life.
RPG to close its doors at the end of the month
It’s game over for RPG. The game-themed restaurant on Massachusetts Street is closing June 30 after four years of offering food, drinks, social events and providing a space for people to gather and play games.
Molly Adams/Lawrence Times
Lawrence Adult Learning Center graduates, families and supporters celebrate
It’s been 20 years since Kattie Ferguson dropped out of high school. Earning her GED was a dream placed in the periphery until a couple years ago, when she set her sights on going back to school.
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