At The Lawrence Times, we believe that community journalism is not just about providing traditional news coverage — it’s also about providing information that the people of this community need in order to live and thrive as informed citizens.
We are working to create collections of resources that we hope will be helpful to our readers in Lawrence and Douglas County, and perhaps even beyond.
The posts below are part of that effort, and this page aims to curate our most helpful articles in one place. It’s our “News you can use.”
Please be aware that some of these posts may have “shelf lives,” meaning they may pertain to limited-time sources of help. Even so, the posts that appear here should also contain information and links to resources that can be helpful anytime.
LATEST HELPFUL ARTICLES
Douglas County renews Smart911 contract; service gives dispatch crucial info in emergencies
A service that gives Douglas County first responders extra information to better help people in emergencies will be available for at least five more years under a renewed contract.
Where are the snow plows? City of Lawrence’s online map will show you
The worst of the winter storm has passed through Lawrence, but the area is likely to see rain and snow again later this week — this time accompanied by bitter cold temperatures. How to know when the roads are clear?
New city bus routes may change how some Lawrence students get to school
City bus route changes that will go into effect in the new year will disrupt some Lawrence school district students’ rides to school.
Cover Kansas navigators to offer help signing up for health insurance marketplace
Navigators with Cover Kansas will be available in the Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health lobby Thursday to help people sign up for coverage through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace.
New Lawrence bus routes to go into effect in January; Sunday rides to be available on demand
The new year will bring in new Lawrence bus routes — and features, including on-demand ride options on Sundays.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence buses will be free to ride through 2024
Lawrence Transit’s fare-free program will continue through 2024, and it will include Sunday service starting Jan. 7, the city announced Tuesday.
Lawrence election guide: Get to know the city commission and school board candidates
Updated guide: The majority of city commission and school board seats will be on Lawrence voters’ ballots on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Here’s info to help you cast an informed vote in the races that are closest to our day-to-day lives.
In-state college application fees to be waived as part of Kansas Apply Free Days
Kansas residents who are interested in applying to in-state colleges can do so for free on Nov. 7 through 9 as part of Apply Free Days.
WIC services will now be available on location in Eudora
Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health is partnering with the Eudora school district to expand access to WIC services by making them available onsite at district offices in Eudora.
Wintry mix could hit Lawrence over the weekend; rec centers available for warming
The Lawrence area could see freezing temperatures, rain and sleet over the weekend. The city’s recreation centers are available to warm up during regular hours.
Lawrence election guide: Get to know the city commission and school board candidates
Here’s a roundup of our election coverage intended to help voters find what they need to know to choose their top candidates for Lawrence City Commission and the Lawrence school board.
Lawrence health department will have new COVID, flu shots starting Monday
Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health has received the new flu and COVID vaccines sooner than expected. They’ll be available by appointment beginning Monday (while supplies last).
Lawrence Transit launches overnight rides on demand
If you need a ride overnight, Lawrence Transit has launched a new, fare-free option to get a lift anywhere within city limits.
Operation Wildlife gives tips on what to do if you find injured or abandoned wildlife in Douglas County
If you find an injured animal outdoors this summer, will you know what to do? Watch this episode of Lawrence Times TV to learn from the experts.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence Municipal Court to kick off night court pilot program
Lawrence Municipal Court next week will roll out a pilot night court program, which will add an early evening docket once a month to create more flexibility for defendants.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence training session teaches how to use Narcan to save someone from an opioid overdose
Chrissy Mayer of DCCCA led a free training session this week on how to acquire, store and administer Narcan in case someone overdoses on opioids.
New Lawrence clinic tailors health care to Spanish-speaking community members
When Natalia Leistner saw a need for local medical options that cater to Spanish-speaking community members, she took action.
Molly Adams/Lawrence Times
Water leaks – obvious or hidden – can cause spikes in usage and high bills
Water leaks can wreak havoc on one’s home and finances. Here’s how to handle a sudden increase in water charges and where to go for help in Lawrence.
Tricia Masenthin/Lawrence Times
Here’s where kids can eat free lunches in Lawrence this summer
Children ages 18 and younger will be able to eat a free lunch on weekdays at six locations in Lawrence throughout the summer, starting June 5.
Kansans: Act fast if you need to change your gender marker on legal docs, attorney says; here’s how
Time is likely limited for transgender folks to get their gender markers changed on their Kansas birth certificates and IDs, according to an attorney who’s an expert on the topic. Here are the basics of how the process works.
Andrea Albright / The Lawrence Times
Douglas County District Court opens its self-help office
People who need some help with court forms, understanding court processes and finding resources will now be able to get that help at the Douglas County District Court’s Legal Self-Help Office.
Kansas could remove thousands of people from Medicaid rolls. Here’s what to do if you’re on KanCare
Thousands of Kansans are at risk of losing Medicaid coverage as the state begins reviewing who still qualifies after a three-year pause. Experts and health care advocates advise people on how to best prepare.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Draft strategic plan sets goals for Douglas County to reach functional zero homelessness
A draft strategic plan sets a goal of 2028 for Lawrence and Douglas County to achieve functional zero homelessness. The plan emphasizes equity, inclusion, and correcting imbalances of power.
Lawrence police warn of scam: Caller asks victim to download a computer program
The Lawrence Police Department issued a warning Friday about a scam in which a caller asks potential victims to download a computer program, then hacks their bank accounts.
