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Resolution pledging Lawrence would comply with executive orders is no longer on commission agenda
A resolution city staff members were asking the Lawrence City Commission to approve, which pledged to indefinitely suspend enforcement of equal rights ordinances in hopes of maintaining federal funding, is no longer on Tuesday’s meeting agenda.
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Conflicting policies of police and prosecutors jeopardize high-stakes criminal cases
The Douglas County DA’s office has dropped an estimated 50 cases because of officer integrity issues — including one homicide case. And dueling policies about officer truthfulness and bias are straining the relationship between police and prosecutors.

Full disclosure: How law enforcement answered questions about officer truthfulness policies
In the interest of giving each Douglas County law enforcement agency a fair opportunity to respond to questions about complex issues surrounding officer truthfulness, we are publishing each agency’s full responses.

Driver killed in head-on crash was Lawrence man, 64
The driver who was pronounced dead at the hospital following a head-on crash on North 1800 Road Friday was John C. Gilroy, 64, of Lawrence, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will collect unused and expired medications Saturday during national ‘take back’ event
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will join thousands of law enforcement agencies across the country this weekend collecting expired or unused prescription and over-the-counter medications from the public.

Lawrence school board approves Montessori program for New York Elementary
The Lawrence school board narrowly approved implementing a Montessori program at New York Elementary this fall to serve 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds and kindergarteners.

NATIONAL CHAMPS! Free State debate duo wins big tournament
Free State High School seniors Serena Rupp and John Marshall won the final round of the Tournament of Champions late Monday on a 2-1 decision, becoming national champions.

Girls high school gymnastics program to continue in Lawrence school district next year
The FireLions gymnastics team will go on. After hearing the findings of a Title IX report, the Lawrence school board agreed Monday to look at ways the district could boost participation in its high school gymnastics program as well as other offerings for girls.

Firebirds and Lions earn top awards, qualify for national competition during weekend speech and debate tournament
Twenty competitors from Free State and Lawrence high schools are heading to Kentucky in June for the National Speech and Debate Tournament.

Kansas governor proclaims KU Men’s Basketball National Championship Victory Day
Gov. Laura Kelly welcomed the University of Kansas men’s basketball team and coach Bill Self to the Statehouse Monday to recognize their success in the NCAA Tournament.

West Middle School principal to retire
After three decades of service to Lawrence Public Schools, Kathy Branson will retire at the end of June, the district announced Monday.

Kaw Valley Almanac for April 25 – May 1, 2022
Green elm seeds, blooming redbuds, wind and rain were all in play across much of our area last week, as we head into the last week of April.

Driver crashes in parking lot in downtown Lawrence following police pursuit
A driver reportedly fled police late Sunday night, eventually crashing into a pole in the parking lot near Fuzzy’s Taco Shop and the Lawrence Community Building downtown.

Lawrence school board to consider Montessori program, hear results of Title IX study
Lawrence school board members at their meeting Monday will discuss the possibility of Montessori education at New York Elementary and hear the results of a Title IX study.

One driver pronounced dead at hospital after head-on crash near K-10 and Farmers Turnpike
A driver was taken to the hospital and later pronounced dead following a head-on crash in the 800 block of North 1800 Road just after 6 p.m. Friday, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Lawrence man sentenced to more than 8 years in prison in ‘doorway shooting’ case; verbal conflict erupts in hallway
Tearful statements made during a hearing on Friday turned into a shouting match outside the courtroom after a Lawrence man was sentenced to eight years and four months for voluntary manslaughter.