Good morning, Lawrence.

Lawrence police have issued a Silver Alert for 74-year-old Wanda Dyer, who has been missing since last Friday and was last seen on foot near 5th Street and California Street while wearing a black jacket with a fur collar—family members said she suffers from confusion and memory issues and search efforts are now expanding beyond Lawrence.

KU Music lecturer Eddie Moore helped young vibraphonist Isaiah Petrie by recording Petrie's song on his album 'What Makes Us,' which debuted March 25 on streaming platforms and Bandcamp—this standard acoustic jazz piano trio recording also features drummer Jaylen Ward and bassist Ben Tervort.

Baker University has named Jody Fournier—former provost and vice president at Capital University in Columbus—as its next president.

He will start on July 1 after the board of trustees voted unanimously, replacing acting president Hoot Gibson who served since October 2024.

A Lawrence parent has renewed a call for an independent audit of safety protocols in the school district more than a month after former school pathologist Mark E.

Gridley was arrested and charged with crimes against students. The appeal was made at a school board meeting on March 24 as parents at Prairie Park Elementary said the self-review of policies does not meet community expectations—demanding prompt action to restore trust.

Lawrence school board officials reported the district faces a challenging year in special education as declining student enrollment and state cuts leave a funding gap.

The base state aid per student will increase based on a three-year average CPI (with no new dollars allocated for special education), so officials may need to reallocate funds to cover the shortfall.

Lawrence school district administrators reported that visible cell phone use in high school classes dropped sharply under the new policy—with usage at Lawrence High falling from 39% to 3% and at Free State High from 25% to 2%—after the policy was implemented in January.

Elementary teachers have also said they need more support to boost screen-free engagement with younger students.

The City of Lawrence won the 2025 Innovations in GIS Award at the Esri Public Sector CIO Summit for its use of GIS to improve condition data collection, route prioritization and ADA inspections for public right of way.

City staff — Jessica Mortinger, Melissa Sieben and Evan Korynta — traveled to accept the award, highlighting the city's move to modernize local infrastructure.

The City of Lawrence received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for its fiscal year report ended December 31st, 2023—an honor that shows the finance team’s hard work and dedication.

Director of Finance Rachelle Mathews said the award reflects the city's commitment to clear and honest use of its resources.

Russ Johnson, LMH Health president and CEO since 2016, will retire in August — the board of trustees has started a national search for his successor led by Beth Llewellyn.

The Main Squeeze Live Performance

7 p.m. – 12 a.m. — The Bottleneck — Ticket prices vary — Experience a raging funk journey from the vibrant band hailing from Bloomington, Indiana.

Film Screening of Thank You Very Much

7-9 p.m. | Lawrence Arts Center | $10 | Enjoy the provocative documentary about comedian Andy Kaufman's unique comedic style at this local festival screening.

Douglas County Market of Farms

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Douglas County Fairgrounds — Free entry — Discover local meat, eggs, honey, and more from Kansas farms at this vibrant market.

Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Kansas Jayhawks Baseball Game

The Kansas Jayhawks baseball team competes against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Hoglund Ballpark in Lawrence, KS.

Z&M Twisted Vines Wine Run 5k

10 AM — Z&M Twisted Vines Vineyard, Tasting Room & Events — Ticket sales support local nonprofit — Enjoy a timed 5k run or walk through beautiful vineyards with wine tasting.

While She Sleeps Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — The Granada — Tickets from $29 — Experience an electrifying performance by While She Sleeps at Granada Theater in Lawrence, KS.

Pasta Night: Cappelletti Verde

4:30-9:00 p.m. — Pane e Vino Wine Bar & Academy — Reservations required for dinner — Enjoy house-made cappelletti pasta with authentic Italian sauces and a seasonal menu.

Lasagne Primavera Night

4:30-9 p.m. — Pane e Vino Wine Bar & Academy — Reservations required for dinner service — Savor house-made lasagne primavera and a variety of authentic Italian dishes.

Lawrence Earth Day Fair

1-4 p.m. — South Park — Free entry — Celebrate Earth Day with family-friendly crafts and activities in a vibrant community atmosphere.

Easter Sunday Celebration

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Liberty Memorial Central Middle School — Free entry — Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus with uplifting worship and baptisms.