Good morning, Lawrence.

Lawrence now has one full-time animal control officer since staffing dropped from three in 2020—making the humane society and the public responsible for capturing most stray animals.

A recent dog attack in Centennial Park that injured a 70-year-old woman and killed her chihuahua raised community safety concerns and will likely prompt officials to seek more dedicated staffing and funding.

Retailers across the city sold Engagement Era cookies quickly as they cashed in on the star couple's fame, with McLain's bakery among those reporting brisk sales.

Fyre was a popular rock band from Emporia in the 1970s whose album 'Pyromancy' mixed rock, country, funk+ folk while they built a local following and almost played at a major reception that was canceled after Robert Kennedy was shot.

The band was later honored in the Kansas Music Hall of Fame in 2019 and Marvin Hunt will play at the Retro Cocktail Hour 30th Anniversary Party on Feb. 27 at Maceli’s Banquet Hall in Lawrence.

A nonpartisan forum to introduce Lawrence school board candidates and their platforms will take place at 3 p.m. on Sept 7 at Flory Meeting Hall West at the Douglas County Fairgrounds—co-hosted by Women for Kansas, the League of Women Voters, and NAACP with moderator Tai Edwards.

The forum will feature all seven candidates, including incumbents and challengers, before voters choose their school board on Nov. 4.

Douglas County commissioners approved the 2026 budget in July after 21 hours of hearings—although they cut the maximum mill levy to 40.669, higher property taxes will affect most residents due to a 5.7% increase in assessed values.

Commissioner Gene Dorsey raised concerns about revenue projections during the process.

Niontay Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Bottleneck — Tickets available — Experience an engaging evening with live music at a local venue.

Burned-edge Organza Flower Accessories Workshop

1-4 p.m. — ART EMERGENCY — Materials provided — Create luxurious organza flowers for unique accessories in a fun, supportive environment.

56th Annual Edsel Owner's Club Convention

September 2-7 — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lawrence — Registration required — Celebrate the classic Edsel experience with fellow enthusiasts in Lawrence, Kansas.

Strings & Heart Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Bottleneck — Tickets from $51 — Experience the vibrant sounds of Strings and Heart in a local concert setting.

Cider Gallery Event

8:00-11:30 a.m. — Cider Gallery — Free entry — Enjoy a creative gathering in a unique office and event space.

The Hawk 100 Trail Races

6 AM - 8 AM — Hawk Trail Race — $95-$120 — Tackle a challenging 100M, 50M, or Marathon on scenic rolling trails.

Caskey Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Bottleneck — Entry fee varies — Enjoy an evening of live music with the talented artist Caskey.

Fall Class Schedule Launch — Ignition Dance Academy

4:30-9:30 p.m. — Ignition Dance Academy — Check for ongoing class offerings as the fall term kicks off and get ready to dance.

Food Business Start-Up Summit

8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — One Riverfront Plaza Parking — Cost info not specified — Engage with fellow entrepreneurs in a hands-on retreat to tackle your food business challenges.

Vegetarian Lasagne & Wine Experience

4:30-9 p.m. — Pane e Vino Wine Bar & Academy — Reservations recommended — Savor layers of homemade vegetarian lasagne paired with exquisite wine flights in a delightful pop-up dining experience.