Old West Lawrence throws block party

About 300 people gathered Saturday evening in Old West Lawrence for an old-fashioned block party on brick-covered streets.

Neighbors had secured a city-issued permit to close Mississippi Street between Seventh and Eighth streets, where they set up linen-covered tables and a moonwalk.

The party ran from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Grilled hot dogs and beer were provided from a neighborhood fund, but neighbors pitched food for a potluck and brought flowers for the tables, said organizer Susan Tate.

Children sold ice cream for 50 cents from an antique horse-drawn ice cream cart, used in Lawrence in the early 1900s.

Government

County seeks new planning commissioner

Douglas County commissioners are still waiting to fill a seat on the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission.

County commissioners need a replacement for Roger Schenewerk, whose four-year term expired in May.

County commissioners already have reappointed John Haase, whose term also expired in May. He was reappointed to a second four-year term, beginning this month.

Construction

Resurfacing to close Kasold Drive extension

The rural extension of Kasold Drive that runs from 31st Street to the South Lawrence Trafficway will be closed Monday, Tuesday and most of Wednesday.

The stretch of road, formally known as East 1200 Road, is scheduled for resurfacing work by crews from Wakarusa Township. A new chip-and-seal surface is being put in place to help reduce potholes.

Other scheduled closings for resurfacing: East 1326 Road, from North 1056 to North 1100 roads, Monday and Tuesday; North 1100 Road, from East 1500 to East 1600 roads, Wednesday and Thursday.