West student suspended for rest-room fire

A student at West Junior High School was suspended for 10 days for allegedly starting a fire in a rest room, officials said.

The eighth-grade boy was punished for setting a fire in a trash can Friday, said Julie Boyle, the district’s communications director.

Boyle said the blaze was contained to the trash can. No significant damage was reported.

Lawrence Police were notified by the school resource officer assigned to West, 2700 Harvard Road.

Friday was the final day of classes before the holiday break. Most students will return to class Jan. 6.

Meanwhile, police were called to Prairie Park School, 2711 Kensington Road, to control a sixth-grade boy. No injures were reported, Boyle said.

A student at Centennial School, 2145 La., returned to classes Friday after being struck by a vehicle Thursday evening along Louisiana Street. He was taken to Lawrence Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for a bruised leg.

Bank donates $9,000 to intramural sports

A Lawrence bank donated $9,000 to save basketball and volleyball intramural programs at Lawrence’s high schools.

The money from Peoples Bank will be divided between Lawrence High School and Free State High School.

Todd Harris, president of Peoples Bank in Lawrence, said the donation would keep the intramural program from being eliminated due to budget constraints.

“Times are tough for education,” he said. “We’re proud to help a popular, worthy program.”

Supt. Randy Weseman said the donation was appreciated because students feel more connected to schools and perform better academically when they’re involved in after-school activities.

“Extracurricular activities are an integral part of high school culture,” Weseman said.

Intramural programs at the high schools typically involve about 500 students.

Peoples Bank has two locations in Lawrence and recently moved its headquarters to this city.