Torrey Anderson

Laurel Mayor Dave Waggoner was among those who gathered to pay tribute to fallen officer. Photo By Torrey Anderson

Laurel was alight with activity on July 4, as the city welcomed thousands of visitors for the annual Independence Day celebration. The fun started right at sun-up with the Chamber of Commerce's Chief Joseph Run, followed by Laurel Hometown Troops hosting an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. At 11:00 a.m., celebrants turned out in droves for the Grand Parade.

Club founder Debbie Leonard shows off a nearly 7lb agate that she found near Columbus. Courtesy Photo

That smell is unmistakable. The savory tang of an American standard wafts through the air-conditioned ambience of the old Owl Cafe building. Barbecue. BBQ. Barbacoa. Attach any cultural or regional attribution you like, but the slow cooked meats and tangy-sweet-spicy sauces and seasonings that define the genre are beloved by diners nationwide. Nobody really knows who invented barbecue as we know it today, but the owners of Laurel's newest eatery have created a niche of home-grown and family-made dishes that are distinctly their own.

Thomson park was full of high-spirited cornhole competitors on August 10. The first-annual event was sponsored by the Laurel Police Protective Association (LPPA), a 501©(3) non-profit organization. The tournament was

Laurel City Council members have been in talks with representatives from McDonald Land Holdings, LLC and Fox Lumber Sales, Inc. to review a joint petition from those entities requesting that the city vacate a portion of South Montana Avenue. The street lies adjacent to property owned by both companies.

Representatives for Mead Lumber and Laurel Chamber of Commerce members cut the ribbon at Mead Lumber. Photo By Torrey Anderson

On August 24 Fitchner Chevrolet in Laurel was full of sights and sounds for local car enthusiasts when the Pacific Northwest Corvette Caravan stopped by for lunch on the way

Expo organizer Peyton Coxwell has a long history of helping Laurel kids. Photo By Torrey Anderson

Nick Viig and his daughter Paisley stopped by the school admin building to grab a pretty cool backpack. Photo By Torrey Anderson