rom left, Wint Winter, Michelle Fales and Todd Harris, representatives of Peoples Bank, accept the Spirit of Caring Award for a small business. They received the award April 23 at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott. The award is given by the United Way of Douglas County and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce.

Members of AARP's Lawrence chapter 1696 pose for a picture at the American Legion, 3408 W. Sixth St. They gathered May 13 to prepare and send care packages to the soldiers serving in Iraq. Pictured are, from left back row, Mary Kanous, Darlene Hill, Janice Whitham, Phyllis Cross and Lauraine Mulally; front row from left, Thelma Hehn, Marilyn McCleary, Suzanne McColl and Jane Pracht.

Representatives from organizations receiving the 2003 Spirit of Caring Awards are, from left, Richard Chappelle, Wal-Mart store 484; Dee Bisel, Minuteman Press; Todd Harris, Peoples Bank; and Ted Haggart, Douglas County Bank. On April 23, the United Way of Douglas County and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce recognized local businesses that are leaders in strengthening the Douglas County community through charitable giving and the promotion of volunteerism.

From left, Ron Bisel, his wife Dee Bisel, owner of Minuteman Press, and their children Ryan Bisel and Adele Bisel accept the 2003 Spirit of Caring Award in the sole proprietor category. They received the honor April 23 during a Leadership Lawrence Celebration at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott.

Lawrence High School senior Don Carbaugh blows bubbles during the LHS Class of 2004 commencement ceremony. He received his diploma May 16 during the ceremony at Kansas University's Memorial Stadium.

Free State High School seniors Kamesha Moore, left, and Tyree Payne participate in the Class of 2004 commencement ceremony. They received their diplomas May 15 during the ceremony at Kansas University's Memorial Stadium.

The 17 valedictorians in the Free State High School Class of 2004 receive honors during a commencement ceremony. From left, Ryan Bodensteiner, Jessica Carlyle, Thomas Duermeier, Evan Ferrier, Brian Garland, Jennifer Gwaltney and Anne Laue-Minden, Hazel Morley and Dominique Nunez can be seen. At right is Supt. Randy Weseman. The ceremony was May 15 at Memorial Stadium.

From left are Katie Markle, Olathe; Emily Robert, Lawrence; Josh Markle, Olathe; Debbie Ellebracht, Lawrence; Erik Anderson, Lawrence; and Ali Jacobsen, Lawrence. Ellebracht's piano students gave a recital on May 14 at Brandon Woods Retirement Community. They gave the recital in honor of National Nursing Home Week, which was May 9-15.