Lawrence Journal-World 08-22-2015

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USA TODAY

How Donald Trump’s team plans to win the White House. 1B

L A W R E NC E

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SATURDAY • AUGUST 22 • 2015

LJWorld.com

Just Food: Ex-mayor misled on finances By Chad Lawhorn Twitter: @clawhorn_ljw

The former executive director of Just Food — who until last week also was the mayor of Lawrence — intentionally misled board members about a variety of financial matters, the nonprofit’s board has determined. Jeremy Farmer, 32, dismissed the organization’s outside accountant without the board’s knowledge more than a year ago, an attorney who is working with Just Food’s board said Friday. Without an accounting firm reconciling the non-

Nonprofit owes more than $61,000 in federal, state payroll taxes; can’t pay all tax liens at once

Our board was shocked and disappointed to learn that Mr. Farmer regularly ignored and circumvented internal control procedures.” — Kristi Henderson, Just Food board president, in message to supporters Farmer

Henderson

profit’s books, Farmer was able to leave more than $61,000 in federal and state payroll taxes unpaid, said Lawrence attorney Dan Watkins.

In one of his few statements about the matter, Farmer previously told the Journal-World that “nothing was done intentionally” regarding the unpaid taxes but rather it was just a matter of his “not doing it right.” Watkins said the board’s

investigation into the matter makes it clear the matter was not just an oversight on Farmer’s part. “I would say his limited responses don’t seem credible,” Watkins said. Watkins also said of Farmer:

“He misled board members.” Watkins said the organization is still trying to determine whether there is information that should be turned over to prosecutors for possible criminal charges against Farmer. “That is to be determined,” Watkins said. “No conclusions have been reached on that at this point.” Attempts to reach Farmer for comment were unsuccessful Friday. Please see EX-MAYOR, page 5A

CITY COMMISSION

Schwegler kindergartner Emma Hubbard “Swinging on the swings at recess.”

Woodlawn kindergartner Trey Wilson “Playing on the jungle gym.”

Woodlawn kindergartner James Richardson “The adventure story with the cat.”

ASK A KINDERGARTNER

The first day of school was Thursday. What was your favorite part?

‘Open’ process will fill vacant seat By Chad Lawhorn Twitter: @clawhorn_ljw

By Oct. 6, Lawrence may have a new city commissioner to fill the vacant seat left by Jeremy Farmer’s sudden resignation stemming from financial questions surrounding the former mayor. Commissioners at their Tuesday evening meeting are set to approve a process that would lead to an appointment of a new commissioner by early Please see SEAT, page 5A

Inside: Proposed appointments to the city advisory board. 5A

Schwegler kindergartner Henry Bost “The new slide at recess.”

Broken Arrow kindergartner Jacelynn Barnes “Coloring a ladybug.”

Broken Arrow kindergartner Jovie Coffman “Making paintings with hands.”

Court: No racism in ex-Lawrence officer’s termination By Caitlin Doornbos Twitter: @CaitlinDoornbos

Schwegler kindergartner Annabella Ackerman “Meeting new friends.”

Woodlawn kindergartner Reed Agnelli “Playing outside with new friends.”

Broken Arrow kindergartner An Duan “To go outside and play on the slides.”

Ask an adult: What’s your most interesting memory of the first day of school? 4A

A former Lawrence police sergeant who sued the city and Police Chief Tarik Khatib in 2012 was not fired for racist or retaliatory Monroe reasons, a federal judge ruled Thursday. Michael Monroe, formerly sergeant of the Please see COURT, page 2A

Nick Krug and Mike Yoder • Journal-World Photos

INSIDE

Evening storms Business Classified Comics Deaths

High: 87

Low: 61

Today’s forecast, page 10A

2A 6C-12C 6A 2A

Events listings Horoscope Opinion Puzzles

10A, 2C 7A 9A 7A

Society Sports Television USA Today

Join us at Facebook.com/LJWorld and Twitter.com/LJWorld

4A 1C-5C 10A, 2C 1B-8B

Alvamar makeover City planners are gearing up for a Monday meeting to discuss future building at the Alvamar golf and country club. Page 3A

Vol.157/No.234 30 pages


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