Forum to include debate, lecture

Democrat incumbent Bill Wagnon and Republican Robert Meissner, challenger in the race for District 4 Kansas State Board of Education, will square off in a short debate at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the commons area of Lawrence High School, 1901 La.

The debate is part of a forum sponsored by Lawrence High School Youth in Local Government and the League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County.

Kansas State Department of Education deputy commissioner Dale Dennis also will speak at the forum about the state school board.

Recognition

Southwest teacher receives award

A teacher at Southwest Junior High School is the recipient of the monthly Legacy Award.

Joyce De Salvo, who has began her teaching career in 1971, was presented the honor Friday. De Salvo helps students learn how to become better organized in order to focus on and complete assignments for school.

The Lawrence Education Assn., which is the bargaining unit for teachers in the Lawrence school district, and the KU Credit Union give the Legacy Award to a teacher, who was nominated for the title by colleagues, once a month during the school year.

Holiday

Federal offices closed for Columbus Day

Today is Columbus Day, a holiday for most federal government employees but just another working day for almost everybody else in the Lawrence area.

Lawrence City Hall and Douglas County government offices will be open today. Douglas County District Court, however, will be closed.

Most banks will be closed.

The U.S. Postal Service will not deliver mail.

Lawrence public schools will be open, as will Kansas University.

History

Walking tour to tap state’s liquor history

Kansas and its history of dealing with beer and alcoholic spirits will be the topic of a walking tour Friday, presented by Watkins Community Museum of History, 1047 Mass.

“The Truth About Booze” will give an overview of Kansas’ role in dealing with alcohol regulation. The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. at the museum.

After the discussion participants will take a walking tour of downtown to the Free State Brewing Co., 636 Mass.

The fee for the tour is $12 for members of the Douglas County Historical Society and $15 for nonmembers, payable on arrival. To register, call 841-4109 or go online to www.watkinsmuseum.org.