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🌱 How new DNA testing revived a 17-year-old Lawrence rape case

Lawrence, Kansas Patch AM: a 5 min read

What's up Lawrence! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How new DNA testing revived a 17-year-old Lawrence rape case
  • How to spot Lawrence’s historic Blue Mound on your next drive
  • Where to glimpse Lawrence’s historic Wakarusa River crossings today

Also on today's calendar: Celebration of Life and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What has a cap but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Lawrence Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile - America's Best Mobile Network, according to Ookla Speedtest. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Lawrence Patch AM possible.
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Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Nice with plenty of sun, with a high of 75 and low of 51 degrees.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and nice, temps: high: 76, low: 45.
  • Monday: Nice with plenty of sunshine, with a high of 72 and low of 45 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Woman has renewed hope for justice 17 years after reporting rape in Lawrence (ljworld.com) — A woman who reported being raped in Lawrence in 2009 now has renewed hope for justice after newly tested DNA on her shorts allegedly matched a 37-year-old Eudora man. A Lawrence police detective revived the cold case, leading to a recent arrest and a rape charge, with the suspect currently jailed in Douglas County on a $250,000 bond.
   

2. Blue Mound (nps.gov) — Just southeast of Lawrence, Blue Mound served as a key landmark on the Oregon and California Trail and later as a lookout for Free State residents during Bleeding Kansas. Today you can still spot this historic butte from KS‑10 or nearby county roads, though the mound itself is privately owned, making it a visible reminder of local frontier and Civil War history.
   

3. Bluejacket Crossings of the Wakarusa River (nps.gov) — History buffs in Lawrence can explore the story of the Bluejacket Crossings, historic Wakarusa River fords just south and east of town that once challenged wagon trains. While the actual crossings lie on private land, locals can still view the river from nearby roads and learn more through artifacts displayed at the Eudora Community Museum.
   

4. JoCo Cities Comply With Kansas AG Kobach On Conversion Therapy Ban (tonyskansascity.com) — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach has pressured Roeland Park, Prairie Village, and Lawrence to roll back local bans on conversion therapy after a recent Supreme Court ruling on free speech. Johnson County suburbs have already amended their ordinances, and Lawrence faces similar scrutiny over whether its protections against the discredited practice can legally stand.
   

5. Kansas Avionics Company Owner Sentenced Over Russian Exports (avweb.com) — A Lawrence resident and former president of KanRus Trading Company has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for illegally exporting avionics equipment to Russia. Federal investigators say he and associates concealed Russian recipients, used intermediaries abroad, and laundered payments, leading to forfeiture of more than $450,000 in equipment plus a cash judgment.
   

📸 Around Lawrence

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Lawrence

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Saturday October 3
  • AJ Wilkerson →
    The Comedy Club of Lawrence, 811 New Hampshire Street, Lawrence
    8:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Lawrence Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Can anyone with personal experience share why Medicare Advantage plans might be better or more cost effective compared to Medigap-type plans?
    I'm getting ready to sign up and would really appreciate your insights. Thanks in advance! (Nextdoor Pinkney)
  • This is our new go to place instead of the regular chinese buffets.
    Everything's fresh as they grill every plate you get. Their sauces are very flavorful with different levels of spiciness to satisfy any palette. Very… (Nextdoor Sunflower Park)
  • Tractor Supply posted a job opening for Team Member in Lawrence. Apply here.
  • Pan American Group, LLC posted a job opening for Retail Team Member in Lawrence. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lawrence here.

Ok Lawrence! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What has a cap but no head?" — A bottle (Thank you Glo M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Lawrence

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Lawrence

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.