Matt Erickson

Erickson: Even at his worst, Collins never stops

Although Kansas’ ‘Best Player’ did not play his best game Saturday, he kept shooting.

Kansan now hiring for next semester

Applications are now available on the University’s employment Web page and are due Nov. 4.

Erickson: Remind me: Which state are we in again?

Facing the music

File-sharing lawsuits, delay by University prove costly for 13 students

For 13 students sued by the music industry, the risks of illegal file-sharing became a harsh reality. And the University declined to notify the students of their lawsuits until a court order forced it to, costing them extra.

UDK named a finalist

The Kansan named finalist for Pacemaker awards.

Calligrapher in an electronic world

Artist pursues her passion, craft with the pen

Cathy Ledeker says there’s no substitute for the human touch in today’s technological world. That’s why she continues to create designs and inscriptions using her calligrapher’s pens.

Online textbook information increases

ISBN barcode to be included in online listings

The KU Bookstores Web site will now feature more information about textbook requirements, including the ISBN barcode. Bookstore owners say the new listing will result in lower buyback amounts and higher prices.

Rally to prompt compassion for homeless

Demonstration to collect sleeping bags for less fortunate

Graduate students Shannon Williams and Jenn Holtaway have organized a demonstration this Saturday afternoon in South Park to raise awareness of a national problem called "bum bashing." In 2006, 142 random attacks were reported nationwide, two of which were in Lawrence.

Elderly caregiving opens new career options

Several businesses open to assist aging population

Home Helpers, a Lawrence caregiving business, is one of the several establishments to assist the elderly to open in Lawrence in the past year. People are living longer lives, which creates a demand for programs for senior citizens.

Lawrence expects new Wal-Mart plan

Amidst protests, city commission considers new Wal-Mart proposal.

Wal-Mart has frequently hit road blocks in trying to build another store in Lawrence at the corner of Sixth Street and Wakarusa Drive. Local residents staged protests at last night's discussion with commissioners. A new proposal from Wal-Mart is expected.

Bookstore opens for buyback season

Store has location near Yello Sub

Beat The Bookstore will sell nothing but textbooks. The business owners say their business model is different than most college bookstores.

New burrito restaurant opens

Big 12 Burrito opens near campus

Big 12 Burrito, located behind The Crossing, charges $4.99 for its burrito.

City helps fund sprinkler systems downtown

Eight Mass. Street buildings will get sprinklers; 194 lack upgrades

A $250,000 downtown fire sprinkler incentive program will reimburse owners of eight downtown buildings for up to 75 percent of the cost of installing a sprinkler system. The systems cost between $30,000 and $50,000.

Homeless shelter extends its stay

Lawrence Community Shelter receives three-year permit

The Lawrence city commission approved a three-year permit allowing shelter to continue its residence at tenth and Kentucky streets. People both for and against the permit attended spoke at the hearing.

Discussion of second Wal-Mart revisited

Trial may be delayed to discuss issue within new commission

The second Wal-Mart proposed for Lawrence was voted down 3-2 by the old commission. Five years after the initial proposal, the new commission members want to talk with the public before the trial.

New restaurants could benefit students

Meal-assembly businesses aimed at student life.

Blue Plate Dinners and Social Suppers allow customers to put together meals to cook at a later date. The new businesses will change menu items each month to give its customers different varieties.

Pier 1 Imports to stay in business

Store remains open after closing announced, inventory depleted

Pier 1 Imports is not going out of business despite the closing announced weeks ago.

New mayor proposes sales tax increase

Improved transportation and job creation also on Hack's agenda

In her first public address after becoming the new mayor, Sue Hack set forth some of the goals for her one-year term.

Highberger re-elected to city commission

Dever, Chestnut also earn seats

Schauner falls short in bid for re-election, while Bush and Maynard-Moody also fail to win seats.

City commission? What?

Low student voter turnout expected

Within the last six years, the Lawrence city commission banned three unrelated people from living together in some areas of the city, smoking in all enclosed public places and possession of firearms within 200 feet of bars. Where will students be when Lawrence residents vote for city commission today? Probably at home.

Candidates include four newcomers

City commission to include at least one fresh face

How much do you know about the candidates for today's city commission election? We've already done the work for you, so learn more right now.

Political affiliation not always accurate

City issues regroup city commission candidates

Politicians and professors in Lawrence divide city commission candidates into two groups: 'pro-growth' or 'pro-development' and 'smart growth' or 'progressive.' Not everyone agrees on the characterizations and calls them appropriate for this upcoming election's major topics for debate.

Moon Bar building opens as Club Axis

Management isn't concerned about violent history of location

Owners say Club Axis, a new dance club, is an "upscale" and safe environment. The club, which is located in the building where former basketball player J.R. Giddens was involved in a knife fight, has a dress code and high security to minimize violence.

Rental property licensing may expand

Commission considers property licenses and periodic inspections

Members of the community came out in both support and rejection of the measure. The city wants to ensure the safety of tennants, but additional costs are also a concern.

Lawrence pizza market 'flooded'

Local pizza vendors all vie for slice of pie

With over 16 different pizza places in Lawrence, students have plenty of options. Owners are going to greater lengths to find a niche.

No more smoking in the boys room

"Men's Room" smoking bar closes

Business closes because of disagreements between tenants and building owners.

Student came up short in city commission election

Receives less than three percent of vote

Jake Davis ran for the Lawrence City Commission with a main platform of using evironmentally friendly policies to attract businesses to Lawrence.

Commission bans guns in bars

City institutes mandatory jail sentences for offenders

The city of Lawrence will start cracking down on anyone who brings guns within 200 feet of area drinking establishments.

European company moves into town

Magazine publisher chooses Lawrence for its North American office

Linux New Media, a European magazine publisher decided to set up its North American office on Massachusetts Street in Lawrence. The company chose Lawrence above other cities including New York and San Francisco.

Construction triggers fire alarm

The alarm was located in the Art and Design Building West of Budig.

Fire patrol units responded Tuesday morning to a false alarm.

Crossing sign not in the right place

Engel Road intersection will no longer be a school crossing.

College students don’t need their hand held when they walk across the street. Resident makes complaint about school crossing sign compromising the value of other school zones in Lawrence.

Downtown construction plans take form

Project timetable ready for commission approval

Downtown businesses on Massachusetts Street from 11th to Ninth streets prepare for two seasons of sales-threatening construction. Last summer, the project remained on-schedule and replaced 120-year-old waterlines.

Turnout in election primary voting low

Dennis "Boog" Highberger, others advance to general elections after primaries with just 15 percent voter turnout

Six candidates advance to the April 3 general election. Officials hope to see an increase in voters, after a 15 percent voter turnout and a mere 5 percent student turnout in the primaries.

Amyx suggests jail time to curb violence

Several incidents involving guns at bars, triggers mayor to make changes

Mayor wants there to be a ban on guns not just in bars, but around them too. Even for first time offenders, a violation means jail time.

City Commission candidates speak out

Incumbents, newcomers voice their views on topics that affect KU students

Lawrence City Commission hopefuls talk about their opinions on the transit systems, how to make downtown and apartment complexes safer and how to make the town more student friendly.

Sunflower Sitters offer job alternative

With pay over minimum wage and an unconventional work atmosphere, babysitting has its advantages. Sunflower Sitters places college students at jobs in Lawrence.

Stories by Matt