Fireworks ban final

The Lawrence City Commission on Tuesday gave final approval to a new ordinance banning fireworks during the Independence Day holiday.

Until now, the city has allowed fireworks during select hours July 2-4. Sales inside city limits were prohibited, but they flourished in the unincorporated parts of Douglas County. And city residents were allowed to store fireworks if done in accordance with safety codes.

The ordinance would ban all fireworks except novelties such as “party poppers,” “snappers” and “toy smoke devices.”

Most fines for violations of the ban will be between $50 and $100, officials said.

Six applicants approved for housing grants

City commissioners on Tuesday approved spending $66,000 from the city’s Housing Trust Fund, the first money to be spent since the fund was created in 2000 to provide low-cost housing opportunities.

There were 14 applicants for the money. The commission approved the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board’s recommendation to give money to six of the applicants.

The grants are: $24,900 to Accessible Residential Options to rehabilitate an apartment; $3,035 to Brookcreek Learning Center to repair facilities and replace appliances; $16,215 to Community Living Opportunities Inc. to offer family housing for three people with developmental disabilities; $10,000 to James Dunn to rehabilitate a property for use as group housing; $9,600 to Emergency Services Council to maintain families in independent living; and $2,250 to Trinity Respite Care Inc. for one-time cleanup of housing to avoid evictions.