WRITER: Josie Heimsoth

Douglas County commissioners raise questions about land permanently protected for urban farming as a conservation project

An urban farm in Douglas County could be permanently preserved to support beginning farmers, and county commissioners on Wednesday discussed how it could impact future development. The commissioners received an update on a partnership between Douglas County and the Kansas Land Trust, which has identified three key voluntary land conservation projects to implement as part of the county’s Open Space Plan. ...

Douglas County commissioners to hear about three conservation projects currently underway in the county

Douglas County commissioners will hear about three conservation projects currently underway, including a forest corridor with recreational opportunities, prairie preservation and urban farming. On Wednesday, county commissioners will receive an update on a partnership between Douglas County and the Kansas Land Trust, which has identified three key voluntary land conservation easement projects as part of the ...

Advocates of a living wage for school support staff gather at school board meeting

Over 140 people stood outside the Lawrence school district offices prior to the school board meeting on Monday, advocating for a livable wage for education support professionals. Currently, the school district is negotiating its contract with education support professionals, or ESPs. District representatives have suggested a 54-cent hourly raise during the initial bargaining session in August, and Lawrence ...

Lawrence school board members adopt 2025-2026 budget with slight property tax rate increase

Lawrence school board members approved a slight increase in the property tax rate for the 2025-2026 school year, a move members say is necessary to support staff and cover inflation-lagging state aid. On Monday, school board members approved a budget for the 2025-2026 school year with a mill levy – or property tax rate – at 52.333 mills. One mill is equal to one dollar of property taxes for every $1,000 of ...

Lawrence school board candidates weigh in on equity, safety and funding at forum

Equity in education was a key focus at a Lawrence school board forum, where candidates shared their views on fairness in student achievement, curriculum and school safety. Seven candidates are in the running for three available seats on the Lawrence school board this year, and all participated in Sunday’s forum. Incumbents Kelly Jones, Shannon Kimball, and Bob Byers are seeking another term, while ...

Lawrence school district denies allegations that it attempted to prevent student journalists from reporting on Gaggle lawsuit

The Lawrence school district denies allegations that it sought to prevent student journalists from reporting on a lawsuit over its use of Gaggle, stating it has no intention of restricting coverage or retaliating against staff. At the start of the school year, students who filed a lawsuit against the school district for its use of Gaggle filed a motion through their attorneys alleging that Quentin Rials, the ...