WRITER: Josie Heimsoth

Haskell educators, activists rally community to protect Wakarusa Wetlands from future development

Daniel Wildcat said his opposition to a proposed development in the Wakarusa River Valley is rooted in an understanding of wealth — one measured not by land or money, but by relationships with people, the Earth and all living beings. “We understood wealth resided in the number of good relatives you have,” Wildcat, a professor at Haskell Indian Nations University, told a crowd on Saturday. “We've lost a ...

Douglas County commissioners to consider one-year extension for North Lawrence solar farm permit

The future of a controversial 1,105-acre solar farm proposed for farm fields just north of North Lawrence once again will be in the hands of Douglas County commissioners. The County Commission on Wednesday will consider a one-year extension for the Kansas Sky Energy solar farm project, which has been unable to start construction due to an ongoing lawsuit that alleges the project violates county codes. ...

A Lawrence initiative is seeking instruments to refurbish for students in need

Three organizations are collecting donated instruments in Lawrence to refurbish and give to students who otherwise couldn’t afford to play music. The Lawrence initiative is a joint effort between Meyer Music Stores of the Kansas City area, the Duke Ellington Legacy – a jazz ensemble dedicated to performing and keeping the music of Duke Ellington alive – and Liberty Hall. The Band of Angels program – ...

Bert Nash steps down from supportive housing project, might have to repay half a million dollars to city's affordable housing trust funds

Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center is stepping away from a permanent supportive housing project and may have to give back more than half a million in Affordable Housing Trust Fund dollars after missing a city construction deadline. Kirsten Watkins, CEO of Bert Nash, told the Journal-World in a statement that after a careful review and internal discussions, the organization is stepping away from a ...

Eudora plans full-scale rebuild of one of the city's oldest parks, seeks public input on latest design

A park by City Hall in Eudora will undergo major renovations this year, with the parks and recreation director saying the project will “start from the bottom and make it brand new.” Sally Pennington, director of parks and recreation in Eudora, told the Journal-World that Pilla Park is one of the city’s oldest parks. “It’s been a priority for us for a long time to do some upgrades and renovation,” ...

HeadQuarters Kansas has fully transitioned to 988, improving funding while keeping local response

HeadQuarters Kansas has fully transitioned to the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a move officials say improves funding stability while keeping callers connected to local counselors. In December, HeadQuarters Kansas had announced that it would be discontinuing the use of Douglas County’s local crisis line as it shifted to the nationally supported 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, as the Journal-World ...