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Lawrence school district administrators say cell phone ban in draft handbook was a mistake; board approves teacher raises
A districtwide cell phone ban was included in a draft of an updated student handbook, but Lawrence school district administrators said Monday it was a mistake, and high school students would still be permitted to use their phones outside of classes.
Latest – All local government news
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Douglas County Commission to vote on wind energy regulations; report indicates no substantial public health impacts
As Douglas County commissioners will consider approving draft wind energy regulations on Wednesday, the local health department’s research shows the only “definite” public health impact of wind farms is annoyance.
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Lawrence, Douglas County commissioners vow to back policy that boosts elder care, ends chronic homelessness
Lawrence and Douglas County elected officials made pledges to support initiatives aimed at boosting the elder care workforce and abating chronic homelessness Sunday at the annual Justice Matters Action Assembly.
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Defense attorney, Baldwin City prosecutor announces run for Douglas County DA
Dakota Loomis, a Lawrence defense attorney and the Baldwin City prosecutor, has announced his plans to run as a Democrat for Douglas County district attorney.
Lawrence city Commission
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Lawrence city commissioners have mixed feelings about on-the-go drinking downtown
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday showed a range of interest in creating a “common consumption area,” which would allow folks to drink alcoholic beverages as they move through downtown.
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Lawrence City Commission general public comment for July 16, 2024
Here’s the general public comment for the Lawrence City Commission’s Tuesday meeting, as public comment is no longer being broadcast.
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Lawrence city commissioners set maximum budget with property tax rate increase
Following some confusion, Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday approved their maximum budget for 2025 with a 3.6-mill increase to property tax rates.
Douglas County Commission
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Meet the candidates for Douglas County Commission District 2
Incumbent Shannon Reid and current Lawrence City Commissioner Lisa Larsen are running as Democrats to represent Douglas County Commission District 2. The candidates shared their thoughts on how wind and solar energy should be handled, property tax reductions and more.
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Meet the candidates for Douglas County Commission District 4
Two Democrats, a Republican and a Libertarian are running to represent Eudora, parts of eastern Lawrence, and east-central Douglas County as the commissioner for new District 4. Candidates shared the personal experiences they believe qualify them, views on solar and wind energy and more.
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Meet the candidates for Douglas County Commission District 3
The incumbent Democrat faces two Republican challengers to represent Douglas County Commission District 3, which includes much of west Lawrence and most of the western side of the county. We asked their positions on wind and solar energy, what issues drove them to run and more.
Lawrence School Board
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Lawrence school board approves restructuring middle school schedules, changes to curriculum
The Lawrence school board on Monday approved middle school schedule changes, including creating a seven-period school day for students and other changes that will affect programs such as physical education, Future City and zero-hour choir.
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‘You’re breaking up a family’: Pinckney community discusses the support system the school provides
Members of the Pinckney Elementary School community frequently teared up on Saturday afternoon as they told Lawrence school board members why the small school is so special.
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Broken Arrow parents plead with Lawrence school board to keep the school open
A school is more than just a building, said parents, students and other community members Saturday at a public hearing on the possible closure of Broken Arrow Elementary. Instead, they said, it’s part of a community.