News

Desensitization to violence and social media usage among youth are contributing to an influx of alleged gun threats aimed at Lawrence schools, according to the school district and police. School shootings continue to afflict communities — the most recent to capture national attention occurring at a Georgia high school on Sept. 4 and resulted in four deaths. Laura McCabe, a spokesperson for the Lawrence Police Department, said the department is maintaining long-standing relationships with FBI task force partners, Lawrence Public Schools administrators, the National School Resource Officer Association, and additional agencies to keep students and staff safe. Source: The Lawrence Times

The Douglas County Commission on Wednesday approved a pilot program aimed at providing property tax relief to older people with low incomes and veterans who are disabled. The Low-Income Senior and Disabled Veteran Property Tax Rebate Pilot Program is designed to assist eligible homeowners by offering a rebate on their property taxes. The maximum rebate amount is $300 per household or the county portion of the property tax, whichever is less. Source: The Lawrence Times

Area law enforcement calls will no longer be broadcast on emergency radios — aka scanners — starting Tuesday, Oct. 15. The change means that for most law enforcement incidents within Lawrence city limits, there will be nowhere for the public to turn for immediate information. That includes media — reporters will not be able to access law enforcement’s radio traffic to cover incidents as they’re unfolding and help inform the public, either. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office announced the planned change Tuesday morning. Source: The Lawrence Times

A major change to the structure of Lawrence’s city government is on the upcoming general election ballot, and voters will have a chance to learn more about the potential impact. The discussion is set for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 in the Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vermont St. If Lawrence voters approve, the proposal would introduce four district seats and two at-large seats on the Lawrence City Commission, along with a directly elected mayor. A panel will explore the pros and cons of the potential change, featuring former city commissioner Courtney Shipley and former candidate Dustin Stumblingbear, co-hosts [...]