WRITER: Dylan Lysen

'A pattern of gun violence': Lawrence man sentenced to 18 years for convictions in 2018 shooting incident

After hearing emotional comments from the defendant, his family and the victim’s family, a Douglas County District Court judge sentenced a Lawrence man to 18 years in prison for a 2018 shooting incident. Judge Amy Hanley on Wednesday sentenced Michael A. Hormell, 21, for his conviction of aggravated robbery and attempted voluntary manslaughter at his April trial. He received 216 months for the aggravated ...

Lawrence man arrested in connection with Sunday police chase, manhunt; he was on parole for attempted rape, other offenses

A Lawrence man accused of leading police on a vehicle pursuit throughout town that resulted in a manhunt on Sunday has been arrested. Lawrence police arrested Nicholas S. Atwell, 32, around 4:45 p.m. Monday at his home in the 1700 block of Louisiana Street on suspicion of many charges related to the incident, including aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, reckless driving and aggravated burglary, ...

Douglas County Commission to consider rural landowners' request to divide property into residential lots

The Douglas County Commission at its meeting Wednesday will consider allowing two rural landowners to convert their 25 acres of land into residential lots. According to planning documents provided to the County Commission, property owners Patrick Halpin and Erin Callahan-Halpin are asking for permission to divide the land into up to five residential lots. The land is located at 981 East 1549 Road, roughly 3 ...

'Things have been swept under the rug'; students call for change in addressing sexual assault in Lawrence schools

A group of current and former Lawrence High School students on Monday demanded action from the school district to address sexual assault and harassment in schools. About 15 students appeared at the Lawrence school board meeting holding signs that said “Playing football does not excuse your actions,” “Justice delayed is justice denied” and “Students over sports." While the protest appeared to stem ...

Lawrence school district sets aside funding to cover unexpected $500,000 energy bill as it awaits legal challenge to fee

The Lawrence school district has set aside funding to cover a $500,000 bill it received for its energy use in February, but hopes the dollars will never be spent. District finance director Kathy Johnson told the Lawrence school board during its meeting on Monday that the unexpected energy bill, which was associated with a deep freeze throughout a significant part of the country in February, is being challenged ...

Free State student earns international recognition for short film about loneliness of pandemic

Free State junior Caroline Börk began making films when she was very young. She first started making “silly videos” based on the "Pokemon" cartoon and video game series. “It’s very embarrassing,” Caroline said with a laugh. “But I made (films) when I was younger and keep making them now. It’s a continuation of what I love through theater.” Caroline’s talent behind the camera has now been ...