• Steve LaRue of McGrew Real Estate has been awarded the 2012 Salesperson of the Year by the Kansas Association of Realtors. This is the top sales award given by the association and is based on LaRue’s sales volume, as well as his faithfulness to the Realtor Code of Ethics, principles of good real estate practice and the satisfaction of his clients. LaRue was honored at the Kansas Association of Realtors’ annual convention in October in Topeka.

• The American Cancer Society recognized Karrey Britt, former health reporter with the Lawrence Journal-World, as winner of the 2012 High Plains Media Award – Daily Newspaper, Relay For Life. The award is for a three-part series that Britt wrote explaining how money raised from Relay For Life of Douglas County benefits cancer patients and their caregivers in Kansas. Britt now is communications coordinator for the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department.

• O’Reilly Auto Parts has opened a store at 601 Kasold Drive. The store will celebrate its grand opening from Wednesday to Jan. 8. As part of the celebration, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be 1 p.m. Jan. 5, during which Ricky Middleton, store manager, will present a $200 check to the Boys and Girls Club.