Mayor La Rochelle Young, early in the meeting, proclaimed September 17 through 26 as Constitution Week in Atchison.
The proclamation coincides with the 239th anniversary of the drafting of the U.S. Constitution and the September 26 dedication of Benedictine College’s new Moritz Library in D’Aniello Hall. The library, modeled after Independence Hall, will house the college’s Center for Constitutional Liberty. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett is scheduled to speak at the dedication.
A second proclamation made by Young designates November 22 as Benedictine College Women’s Lacrosse Day.
The team received the 2026 NAIA Community Awareness Award for its service in Atchison. Its senior class finished with a 63-and-8 career record and two consecutive undefeated national championship seasons.
Head Coach Clare Hanson and her staff were also named the NAIA Coach and Coaching Staff of the Year in both 2025 and 2026.
In related news, the annual MonkRun at St. Benedict’s Abbey will not take place as planned this Saturday, September 26.
Abbey officials announced the change, saying the event is being canceled this year to accommodate campus needs surrounding Saturday’s Moritz Library dedication.
Instead, the Abbey will offer tours beginning at 8:30 Saturday morning. Visitors are also invited to join the monks for prayers and Mass beginning at 6:30.
Those who still want to support vocations at St. Benedict’s Abbey can make a donation through the Abbey’s giving page and designate the gift for the Office of Vocations.
Abbey officials are encouraging supporters to keep their running shoes ready, with plans for the MonkRun to return next year.
