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Lawrence school district reports student entries and exits in 2024-25, class sizes
The Lawrence school district reported that it gained more new students than it lost in 2024-25 from other countries, private schools and other public schools in Kansas, but it lost more students than it gained to public schools outside of Kansas and homeschooling.
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Liam Hill-Allan / Shutterstock
New Lawrence MMIW chapter to kick off week of action to raise awareness about violence against Indigenous women
Lawrence’s Indigenous Community Center has established a chapter of the MMIWG2ST movement, which calls attention to the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, 2Spirit and Trans people.
Andrea Albright / The Lawrence Times
Lawrence High School’s Showtime returning to the stage
Lawrence High School choir members have been hard at work rehearsing for the first Showtime since the pandemic hit.
Andrea Albright / The Lawrence Times
Promise of transplant begins to awaken family from ‘nightmare’ year of illness and loss
In early 2021, Angela Dotson frequently dropped off her son with his grandpa while she worked to get on her feet. A year later, however, illness has taken her father, her job and her health — but the recent promise of a kidney transplant means hope is on the horizon.
Emma Fotovich, USD 497 / Contributed photo
‘Families need to know they’re not alone’: Upcoming fair offers resources, fun for Lawrence families
Lawrence families will have the opportunity to learn more about resources for children and families in the community at an upcoming Early Childhood Family Resource Fair.
Contributed photo
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.
Douglas County Sheriff's Office on Twitter
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 / Contributed Photo
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.
@LFSHS4N6andDB8 on Twitter
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.
Andrea LaRayne Etzel via Office of the Governor
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.
Ken Lassman
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.




