Lawrence-based Sunflower Broadband on Wednesday received the Governor’s Distinguished Community Service Award for a corporation.

The presentation was made by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius during “Our Day at the Capitol,” which is sponsored by the Kansas African American Affairs Commission and the Kansas Hispanic and Latino Affairs Commission.

Sunflower Broadband, which was the only corporate recipient of a service award, was recognized for supplying free high-speed Internet service to qualifying customers.

“Lifeline High-Speed Internet is being offered to help serve the growing needs of all citizens to have access to broadband Internet,” said Patrick Knorr, general manager of Sunflower Broadband and chief operating officer of The World Company, which also owns the Journal-World.

“The Internet provides access to opportunities,” Knorr said. “Many job postings and resume submissions now require access to the Internet. It’s a valuable tool that is important to everyone,” he said.

Sunflower Broadband has provided free and discounted Internet access to not-for-profits, school and community outlets, such as libraries, since 1995.

More information about qualifying for free Lifeline Internet service is available at 841-2100 or online at www.sunflowerbroadband.com.