Facing the music

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

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

Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007

The Kansan named finalist for Pacemaker awards.

Calligrapher in an electronic world

Thursday, May 10, 2007

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

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

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

Friday, May 4, 2007

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

Thursday, May 3, 2007

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

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

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

Friday, April 27, 2007

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

Friday, April 27, 2007

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

City helps fund sprinkler systems downtown

Thursday, April 19, 2007

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

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

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

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

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

Monday, April 16, 2007

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

Thursday, April 12, 2007

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

New mayor proposes sales tax increase

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

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

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

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

City commission? What?

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

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

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

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

Friday, March 30, 2007

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

Thursday, March 29, 2007

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

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

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'

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

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

Student came up short in city commission election

Friday, March 16, 2007

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

No more smoking in the boys room

Friday, March 16, 2007

Business closes because of disagreements between tenants and building owners.

Commission bans guns in bars

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

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

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

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

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Fire patrol units responded Tuesday morning to a false alarm.

Crossing sign not in the right place

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

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

Friday, March 2, 2007

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

Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007

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

Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2007

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

Monday, Feb. 26, 2007

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

Friday, Feb. 23, 2007

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

Matt Erickson

Editor

Matt Erickson, an Olathe senior, started at The Kansan as a correspondent his freshman year. Since then, he has worked as an opinion columnist, reporter, copy editor, campus editor and managing editor. He has worked as an intern at the Lawrence Journal-World and The Kansas City Star. He is double-majoring in journalism and political science.