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Lawrence issues proclamations for Pastor Leo Barbee Jr., Tree City USA Week and Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Summary
The commission issued three proclamations honoring Pastor Leo Barbee Jr., declaring Tree City USA Week/Arbor Day, and recognizing April 2026 as sexual assault awareness month; presenters described community tree work and awareness activities.
At the April 21 meeting the City Commission issued three proclamations.
Mayor Brad Fingoldine read a proclamation designating April 25, 2026 as Pastor Leo Barbee Jr. Day; Pastor Barbee (speaker 8) thanked the city for the honor and reflected on his congregation's community work in Lawrence. The mayor's proclamation cited Barbee's role as pastor of Victory Bible Church and his service as a chaplain to University of Kansas athletic programs.
The commission also proclaimed the week of April 20–24, 2026 as Tree City USA Week and Friday, April 24 as Arbor Day. Levi Parkin, the city's horticulture, forestry and cemeteries manager, highlighted the city's 48-year Tree City USA designation and recent work: "This past year resulted in the planting of 1,078 trees, the pruning of 1,144 trees, and the removal of 728 trees," he said.
Finally, Christine Gentry accepted a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as sexual assault awareness month and described local events including a vigil and an art-for-healing auction. Gentry cited Kansas reporting for 2024 to underline the scope of the issue, and urged the community to translate awareness into support and services for survivors.
The proclamations were ceremonial recognitions; no commission votes were required.
