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Lawrence not alone when it comes to special taxes ———
‘We need signage, but so does the state,’ mayor says By Chad Lawhorn clawhorn@ljworld.com
Kevin Anderson/Journal-World Photo
GEORGIA CLARK, OF AUBURN, feeds a parking meter Wednesday afternoon along Massachusetts Street.
Day of week, weather factor into tickets 149 — and much higher on Saturdays — 366. And you also might have better odds if you pay attention to the weather. When it’s really hot, or really cold, fewer tickets are handed out, on average. For instance: ! When the temperature hits 100 degrees, the average tickets per day dips to 122. When it’s above 90 degrees, the average is 183. ! When the low temperature is under 10 degrees, the average daily tickets given is 210. The reason for the ticket fluctuations are not that com-
By Shaun Hittle sdhittle@ljworld.com
Like to keep your spare change and roll the dice against the odds of getting a $3 parking ticket in downtown Lawrence? A Journal-World review of daily parking tickets handed out by the city between January and July 25 of this year looked at the best days to make that bet. While the daily average of parking tickets given — excluding holidays and Sundays — is about 275, the number is much lower on Mondays —
plicated, said Teri Pierce, Parking Control Unit manager. The day of week variations are probably based on general traffic, as some days — like Saturdays — see more downtown visitors, said Pierce, whose department is part of the Information Services Division of the Lawrence Police Department. In addition, daily staffing factors — such as vacations and illness — probably play some part. When it comes to the weather factor, it’s based on safety, said Lawrence Police Sgt. Matt Sarna. “We do not want our parking control officers out in
weather, whether hot or cold, that is too extreme for their safety and health,” Sarna said. So far this year, no tickets were given on 12 days because on wintry conditions, he said. The city doesn’t have a rule, Sarna said, but cited instances where roads were impassable, or heat indices hit the 110s. On those days, parking control officers are assigned other duties, he said. For more about the numbers, visit LJWorld.com.
Lawrence shouldn’t have all the fun when it comes to signs and special sales taxes. Lawrence city commissioners at their Tuesday meeting directed staff members to draft an ordinance that would require all special sales tax districts in Lawrence to post signs notifying shoppers of the higher sales tax rates. But the signs shouldn’t stop there, Lawrence leaders said. “We need signage, but so does the state,” said Mayor Aron Cromwell. “It is unfair to our citizens. That is something we need to put a call out on at the state level.” The state has more than 40 disCITY tricts that charge a special sales tax that is over-and-above the COMMISSION common rate charged in their communities. That has created situations where similar merchants on different sides of the street are charging significantly different sales taxes for the same goods. City commissioners have heard multiple complaints from the public about the special taxes not being transparent enough, but commissioners said they’re not sure Lawrence shoppers understand they’re being hit with special taxes when they shop at many places in Kansas City. “When you look at the list of places that have Please see TAX, page 2A
— Journal-World reporter Shaun Hittle can be reached at 832-7173.
Lawrence high school freshmen line up for sports By Mark Fagan mfagan@ljworld.com
ONLINE: See the audio slideshow at LJWorld.com
Athletics rosters are expanding with young talent at Free State and Lawrence high schools, now that freshmen are enrolled for the first time as full-fledged high schoolers. As both schools open their athletics seasons this week — the Lions fielded their Fall Sports Jamboree on Wednesday night, while the Firebirds line up this evening — administrators and coaches are counting on additional participation from ninth-graders this season and in the years ahead. “Our goal is to get as many kids involved in co- and extracurriculars as possible,” said Mike Hill, Free State athletic director and baseball coach. “It’s very clear what the academic benefit is for those who par-
when they can walk right out of their last class and go to practice, rather than have to get here from Southwest or South or Central,” Commons said, referring to last year’s freshmen attending junior highs but competing on high school teams. “Convenience is one of those factors, and transportation is another.” Teamwork also is taking shape earlier. “They’re in the hallways and their classes with the same kids they’re competing with,” Hill said. “There’s no Bulldogs vs. Mike Yoder/Journal-World Photo Warhawks vs. Mustangs. That’s all out the window now.” ticipate: increased graduation season, a jump attributable in Freshmen either are Firerates, decreased dropout rates part to more freshmen signbirds or Lions. One cross-town and higher grade-point aver- ing up. A year ago, freshmen rivalry is enough. ages.” were both permitted and enSo far, he said, numbers are couraged to compete at the — Schools reporter Mark Fagan can be reached rising. high school level in all sports, at 832-7188. Follow him at Twitter.com/ Ron Commons, LHS athlet- but simple logistics had gotMarkFaganLJW. ic director, reports the num- ten in the way. ber of girls participating in Not anymore. ! Read about the Lions’ cross country is up from last “It’s a lot more convenient football scrimmage, page 1B.
LAWRENCE HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR JACOB CARNAHAN performed double duties during the LHS fall sports jamboree Wednesday. He opened with the Marching Lions band playing saxophone and then joined varsity football team.
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Submitted by Merrill Kasberger Romig/photos by Marty Olson
THE LAWRENCE FIRE STATION NO. 2 near 19th and Massachusetts streets, as pictured in a “Dear Lawrence” photograph.
Public invited to view ‘Dear Lawrence’ show
I
t’s time for the big unveil. On Friday, you’re invited to visit us here at the News Center, where we’ll display photographs in our “Dear Lawrence” project. The photos will be displayed as part of Final Fridays, and will be available for public viewing from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The News Center is at 645 N.H. We’re excited to show off the work of our photographers, as well as other professionals and amateurs in our community. These photographers have found old pictures of Lawrence locations and have taken a picture of that same place — present-day — with the old picture in the shot. We’re eager to share what they’ve done. So come downtown and check out the results. We think you’ll agree: They’re awesome.
COMING FRIDAY Free State High School has its Fall Sports Jamboree.
Vol.153/No.237 24 pages
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