Police receive 300 fireworks complaints

Lawrence may have a fireworks ban, but that didn’t stop some people from shooting them off over the weekend.

Lawrence Police received 300 complaints about fireworks Thursday through Monday, Sgt. Dan Ward said. Police did not keep track of citations.

Most of the complaints — nearly 180 — were received Sunday, dispatch records showed.

Two fireworks arson-related incidents also were reported, both occurring Saturday. A mailbox in the 500 block of North Fourth Street sustained $100 damage from fireworks, Ward said. Another “postal tower” containing several mailboxes was damaged in the 500 block of California Street.

At Lawrence Memorial Hospital, four people were treated for firework-related injuries over the weekend, a hospital spokeswoman said. All were treated and released.

Kansas University

Finalists in piano contest to perform at Lied Center

After two days of music making, the field of competitors at the first Kansas International Piano Competition at Kansas University has been narrowed from 15 to six.

A half-dozen contestants, ages 12 to 17, will play today for a chance to win the $3,500 first prize.

The free performances, which are open to the public, will be from 3 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Lied Center. Judges will announce the winner at the conclusion of the evening.

The winner will play during a master class conducted by Stanislav Ioudenitch, gold medal winner of the 2001 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Swarthout Recital Hall. The free class is open to the public.

The pianists are in Lawrence for the competition and to participate in the International Institute for Young Musicians at KU.

City

Few smoking infractions reported to fire officials

Smokers appear to be complying with Lawrence’s new smoking ban, and only a few official complaints have been made to Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical.

Only five complaints have been received since the ban on indoor smoking in public places went into effect Thursday, fire officials said Tuesday.

On Thursday, one complaint was received about It’s Brothers Bar & Grill, 1105 Mass., two complaints about Harbour Lights, 1031 Mass., and one complaint about Louise’s Bar Downtown, 1009 Mass.

The businesses were contacted by the fire marshal Friday, and compliance was discussed, Deputy Chief Mark Bradford said. Harbour Lights also was provided with “no smoking” signs and given 14 days to comply with posting them, he said.

Saturday, a complaint was received about the EightOneFive Cafe & Night Club, 815 N.H. Bar management was to be contacted Tuesday afternoon.