Commission forwards Hughes statue plan

The first steps were taken Tuesday night by the Lawrence City Commission toward approval of a Langston Hughes statue in Watson Park, Seventh and Kentucky streets.

Commissioners voted to send the proposal for review to both the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Arts Commission. The proposal will return to city commissioners for approval after those reviews.

Kenneth Wheatley, the artist behind the Hughes project, said private funds would be raised to pay for the statue. Wheatley had previously said an attempt would be made to raise $40,000.

Club 508 plans move

The owner of Club 508 in north Lawrence plans to move, according to a letter sent to City Manager Mike Wildgen.

Owner Jesse del Campo Jr. responded to discussions with Wildgen and Police Chief Ron Olin about rowdy patrons and related problems at the bar.

Campo said he planned to move in three months; in another letter to Wildgen from architect Paul Werner, it said del Campo planned to relocate the club to 1350 N. Third St.