Category: News

Chief Tarik Khatib visited Lawrence Central to discuss the need for a new unified police headquarters in Lawrence.  Right now are spread over six buildings throughout town, some without HVAC causing problems for storage.

The other problem is that some of the departments vehicles are on the other side of town resulting in up to a 40 minute delay by the time officers drove to retrieve the needed vehicle back to the location it is needed.

The other problem is that there just is not enough room both at either the current downtown facility in the county law enforcement center or the Investigations and Training Center at 4820 Bob Billings Parkway to house the entire department, associated equipment, and vehicles. According to Khatib placing patrol, investigations, administration, evidence, records, critical response equipment, and animal and parking control under one roof will significantly increase the communication, interaction, collaboration, and cohesiveness of internal department divisions. This in turn will ensure the department will best be able to accomplish the mission of continuing to serve the community in the most effective, efficient, and community oriented manner possible.

Khatib also said that the level of expectancy for Lawrence residents is higher than other communities, “If you car has been broken into you expect an officer to come out, not to have to fill out a report online as is the norm in other communities.”  LPD also has a higher expectation than other regional departments because of the special events that are the norm in Lawrence, whether they be community or KU related.  But it is also a regional destination where people come to party, and local law enforcement needs to be sensitive to those needs.

Kathleen Morgan, Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships at the Lawrence Public Library, is excited and enthusiastic about the opening of the new library. And her enthusiasm is obviously shared by the Lawrence community.

“We called for volunteers to help us move into the new library and 200 people volunteered in one day,” she told Lawrence Central Rotarians. “And more than 700 people came to the opening ceremonies to watch 15 civic leaders cut the ribbons. At least 1500 people attended the festivities that evening. “

The renovated library, which has been a $19 million investment opened July 26.

“We made 12 promises to the community when we began this project and we’ve kept all 12,” Morgan said.

“We’ve added 20,000 square feet to the library, renovated spaces in the old library by opening them up,adding lighting and art objects, we’ve built a parking garage for more parking and added a children’s programming area with spaces for quiet reading, story telling, other activities.”

Other promises kept, she said, encompassed improved technology including more computers, and sound and video studios, cool spaces for young adults so young people will feel free to hang out at the library, improved handling of library materials, drive up book drop and book lockers, improved library energy efficiency, more public meeting space, and outdoor spaces for community gatherings.

The library calendar for August includes story times, meetings for teens, book clubs, library tours, classes in everything from basic computer skills to knitting and a host of other activities.

Before taking the position of the Executive Director of the Lied Center Derek Kwan was the VP of Concerts and Touring at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Kwan’s career also includes time as executive director of Interlochen Presents at Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan from 2007 to 2012, where he collaborated with arts and academic faculty to program guest artists to enhance existing curriculum. He managed events ranging from internationally renowned guests to student and faculty presentations. Guest artists during his tenure included Olga Kern, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Emerson String Quartet as well as the program “A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor.”

Kwan believes that vibrant arts opportunities spur creativity and innovation resulting in the positive advancement of society, “There is something unique and stimulating about university communities, and Lawrence is one of the greatest college towns in the country. I am energized by the idea that we will need to continually evolve in order to remain relevant on campus and in the community.”

The roadmap to accomplishing this is by positioning the Lied Center as “THE Collaborative Partner” in Lawrence. The venue’s varied spaces can host a wide-range of events and this year’s event schedule is packed with world class performers. The center also is dedicated to free performances for more than 6,800 children from USD 497 annually.

Another initiative the Lied is undergoing is leveraging internet video webcasting technology to stream educational activities, student performances & graduations as well as select professional presentations.

By doing this the Lied Center can play a positive role in connecting all of the arts related organizations on campus and building stronger relationships in the community.

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions he encouraged anyone from the community to reach out with suggestions.

You check out this season’s exciting schedule via this link http://lied.ku.edu/season/calendar.shtml