Donations: Law enforcement groups compete in blood drive

Lawrence and Douglas County law enforcement agencies are set to face off in a battle for blood.

For the third year, employees of Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Lawrence Police Department will compete to see who can donate the most blood to the Lawrence Community Blood Center.

The drive begins at 11 a.m. today at the blood center, 535 Gateway Drive. Police and fire equipment will be on display for children at the event.

Members of the public are encouraged to donate blood on behalf of one of the three organizations.

The blood drive, called “Heroes Behind the Badges,” will continue all week at the blood center. Off-site drives will be from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday and Friday at the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center, 111 E. 11th St. The winner will be announced at week’s end.

Donors will receive a mini-health check, including a cholesterol screening, and T-shirts while supplies last. To sign up, call 843-5383.

Parade: Mass. Street closed part of today for Band Day

Kansas University’s Band Day is returning today. Highlights will be a 1 p.m. parade downtown and a show at halftime of tonight’s KU-Southwest Missouri State University game.

About 50 high school bands with 3,800 student musicians from Kansas and Missouri are expected to participate. The downtown parade begins at 1 p.m. on Massachusetts Street. It will start at Seventh Street and conclude at South Park.

The bands tonight are scheduled to perform a program of patriotic music on the field during halftime festivities. Game time is 6 p.m.