WRITER: Bremen Keasey

Baker University moves to permanently protect Baker Wetlands from development, conserving nearly 1,000 acres

Baker University has finalized a measure that it says will permanently protect nearly 1,000 acres of land in and around the Baker Wetlands from development. The school announced in a press release Thursday afternoon that it finalized the restricted deed covenant with the Douglas County Register of Deeds to reserve the land “exclusively for educational, research and conservation purposes.” The measure will ...

No film tax credits, affordable housing setback: Lobbyist for Lawrence Chamber looks back at the 2025 legislative session

In the Kansas Legislature's short session this year, the Lawrence chamber of commerce didn't get everything it wanted, but some things on its wish list — like affordable housing measures and tax breaks for film productions — may get another shot in future sessions. That's according to Sandy Braden, chair of the lobbying firm Braden Heidner Lowe & Associates, which lobbies for the Chamber's priorities in ...

Lawrence's Just Food celebrates expansion of its food growing program with 36 new garden beds

Dozens joined Lawrence-based food bank Just Food on Wednesday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of a new community garden right in front of the food bank. The garden will provide 36 new beds as part of the food bank's “Just Grow” program, said Aly Curbow, Just Food’s director of development. It was made possible in part by a donation from the Austin, Texas-based company Tito’s ...

Lawrence city commissioners approve more financial agreements for public works campus; staff says $130M project is on time and on budget

As Lawrence city commissioners approved two additional agreements Tuesday night with a construction company for work on the city’s new Municipal Services and Operations campus, staff and contractors said the $130 million project was on time and on budget. The commission voted unanimously to approve two more agreements, worth over $9 million, with construction company McCownGordon for further construction work ...

Baldwin City train company settles civil lawsuit, will repay customers who did not receive refunds for canceled holiday rides

A Baldwin City company that was sued for not providing refunds to customers who purchased holiday-themed train rides after those trips were canceled has agreed to a settlement to provide over $7,500 to at least 30 people. The settlement also has created an opportunity for other customers to get their money refunded as well, if they can show that they purchased a ticket from the Baldwin City train company. ...

Three new candidates file for Lawrence City Commission race, including a former commissioner

Three more people filed to be a candidate for the Lawrence City Commission, including a former commissioner. Michael Courtney, Amanda Nielsen and Courtney Shipley all filed to join the crowded field vying for one of two seats on the commission. Shipley served on the City Commission from 2019 to 2023, serving a term as mayor in 2022. She had run for a second term in 2023, but did not win re-election that ...