Five DUI arrests made at checkpoint

Douglas County Sheriff’s officers made several arrests for a variety of violations Saturday morning at a checkpoint east of Lawrence.

Officers arrested five people for driving under the influence of alcohol at the intersection of Noria Road and North 1500 Road, Lt. Kathy Tate said. In addition, three people were found to be driving with suspended licenses and one person with a revoked license, she said. One person was found to have an outstanding warrant for his or her arrest.

A total of 52 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, which was manned by about a dozen Sheriff’s officers from midnight Friday until 4:30 a.m. Saturday.

Big Brothers Big Sisters receives $25,000 grant

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County has received a $25,000 grant from the Kansas Health Foundation. The grant will be used to diversify the volunteer pool with marketing efforts to attract minority mentors.

The organization has been pairing children with mentors in Lawrence since 1991.

The foundation grant is awarded twice a year to grass-roots organizations that promote health across the state.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County also earned money at its May 12 Lasting Moments fund-raising banquet. The event drew 200 supporters and more than $60,000 in pledges.

In relation to the banquet, six people founded the Lasting Moments Society, which will provide multiyear donations to the organization.

Those funds will allow the organization to match and support half of the children on the waiting list with a mentor.