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Just Food: Ex-mayor misled on finances By Chad Lawhorn Twitter: @clawhorn_ljw
The former executive director of Just Food â who until last week also was the mayor of Lawrence â intentionally misled board members about a variety of financial matters, the nonprofitâs board has determined. Jeremy Farmer, 32, dismissed the organizationâs outside accountant without the boardâs knowledge more than a year ago, an attorney who is working with Just Foodâs board said Friday. Without an accounting firm reconciling the non-
Nonprofit owes more than $61,000 in federal, state payroll taxes; canât pay all tax liens at once
â
Our board was shocked and disappointed to learn that Mr. Farmer regularly ignored and circumvented internal control procedures.â â Kristi Henderson, Just Food board president, in message to supporters Farmer
Henderson
profitâs 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 ânothing was done intentionallyâ regarding the unpaid taxes but rather it was just a matter of his ânot doing it right.â Watkins said the boardâs
investigation into the matter makes it clear the matter was not just an oversight on Farmerâs part. âI would say his limited responses donât seem credible,â Watkins said. Watkins also said of Farmer:
âHe misled board members.â 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. âThat is to be determined,â Watkins said. âNo conclusions have been reached on that at this point.â Attempts to reach Farmer for comment were unsuccessful Friday. Please see EX-MAYOR, page 5A
CITY COMMISSION
Schwegler kindergartner Emma Hubbard âSwinging on the swings at recess.â
Woodlawn kindergartner Trey Wilson âPlaying on the jungle gym.â
Woodlawn kindergartner James Richardson âThe adventure story with the cat.â
ASK A KINDERGARTNER
The first day of school was Thursday. What was your favorite part?
âOpenâ 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 Farmerâs 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 âThe new slide at recess.â
Broken Arrow kindergartner Jacelynn Barnes âColoring a ladybug.â
Broken Arrow kindergartner Jovie Coffman âMaking paintings with hands.â
Court: No racism in ex-Lawrence officerâs termination By Caitlin Doornbos Twitter: @CaitlinDoornbos
Schwegler kindergartner Annabella Ackerman âMeeting new friends.â
Woodlawn kindergartner Reed Agnelli âPlaying outside with new friends.â
Broken Arrow kindergartner An Duan âTo go outside and play on the slides.â
Ask an adult: Whatâs 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
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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