WRITER: Bremen Keasey

Lawrence Parks and Rec board approves recommendation saying city’s proposed cuts would have 'significant, negative effect'

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted Monday to tell the Lawrence City Commission that it believes the proposed $1.8 million budget cut to the city’s Parks, Recreation and Culture department would have a “significant, negative effect” for the public's access to facilities. The recommendation was approved 6-0 by the board Monday night, with Ruth DeWitt abstaining. The recommendation, which was ...

With Lawrence facing $6.5 million in budget cuts, City Manager, finance team discuss how to slice 'a smaller pie'

The City of Lawrence knew it would have to alter its budget process after last year. The budget that City Commissioners eventually passed for 2025 was considered “unsustainable” by city staff and commissioners, and the city began working to craft its budget in January, as the Journal-World reported. The budget proposal that was introduced to the City Commission Tuesday contained a flat mill levy, $6.4 ...

Lawrence City Commission to consider setting flat mill levy for 2026 budget, but set to exceed revenue neutral rate

The City Commission on Tuesday will consider setting public hearings for its budget and setting its maximum mill levy for the 2026 budget, which is a slight decrease compared to last year. The city needs to declare its intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate as defined by state law and set its final hearing for the 2026 budget. The resolution that the commission will consider during its meeting will set both ...

Lawrence social service provider received state tax credits to help fundraise for center for adults with developmental disabilities

A Lawrence social service provider received $162,000 in state tax credits that it will use to help fundraise for a day care home for adults with developmental disabilities. The Kansas Department of Commerce announced in a press release Wednesday it awarded $4.1 million through its Community Service Tax Credit Program (CSP) to various nonprofit organizations across the state. That list included Community Living ...

Lawrence Parks and Rec department to present fee plan Monday night; $25 per month for adults is one proposal

This story was updated at 4:06 p.m., Friday, July 11, 2025. A proposal from the Lawrence Parks, Recreation and Culture department would add a variety of membership fees to access the city's recreation centers, with costs for residents ranging to $25 a month for adults and up to $5 for day passes. According to the presentation, the fee structure is needed to protect essential services and create a sustainable ...

Higher Learning Commission changes Haskell University's accreditation status to 'accredited on notice'

The Higher Learning Commission has changed Haskell Indian Nations University's accreditation status from “accredited” to “accredited on notice," and it says the school is “at risk of being out of compliance” with its standards, according to a notice posted on the HLC's website Wednesday. The notice from the HLC, which provides accreditation to post-secondary education institutions like colleges and ...