City seeks input on plans for Folks Road projects

The Public Works Department plans a public meeting Monday to discuss possible improvements of Folks Road from Sixth Street south to Mulberry Drive and on to Harvard Road.

The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, Sixth and Massachusetts streets.

Discussion is expected on items such as right-of-way and acquisition procedures; street design and criteria such as sidewalks, bike lanes and street width; an intersection at Harvard Road and the projected timeline of development.

People who cannot attend the meeting but would like to comment are asked to submit written comments by Thursday to Chuck Soules, director of Public Works, P.O. Box 708, Lawrence 66044 or via e-mail to csoules@ci.lawrence.ks.us.

Resources: State geologist to lead governor’s energy panel

Gov. Bill Graves has appointed a board to develop a state energy plan, and has named Lee Allison of Lawrence to lead it.

Allison, the state geologist and director of the Kansas Geological Society, will serve as chairman of the new State Energy Resources Coordination Council.

The 13-member council is charged with reviewing energy issues, developing a statewide plan and making recommendations to top state officials.

Its first report is due Jan. 13.

Other Lawrence residents named by Graves to the council include: Walker Hendrix, public counsel for the Citizen’s Utility Ratepayer Board; Stan Zaremba, founder of Zarco Inc.; and Lee Gerhard, an oil and gas consultant with Gerhard and Associates.

Events: Celebration highlights after-school programs

The Lawrence school district will team with the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence for a “Lights on Afterschool” celebration.

A talent show, informational booths and refreshments will be offered from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Lawrence High School, 1901 La.

Similar events are planned across the nation for students in after-school programs. Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger is honorary chairman of the nationwide event.

Lawrence children in after-school programs associated with Boys and Girls Club will perform in a talent show. Information booths will showcase students’ activities and projects.

Community: Scholarship funds raised in honor of crash victim

Saturday fund-raising activities in memory of a Lawrence woman killed by a drunken driver raised more than $2,000.

Proceeds from the 3-mile walk and barbecue will benefit the Lisa Ramos Bland Scholarship Fund 2002 Memorial.

Bland died two years ago after being hit by a drunken driver on Kansas Highway 10 east of Lawrence.

About 100 people participated in Saturday’s events, organized by the Lawrence-based Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, where Bland worked for 18 years. Above, Bonnie Stephenson places a medal around the neck of walk participant Dolores Lemus-Kenny. The medals were a gift to everyone who finished the walk.

Money raised will go toward creation of an annual college scholarship to a graduate of the Lawrence Catholic Schools. Bland was active in many community organizations, including St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church parish and school.