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Administration News

List of news items for Administration.

County Commission approves expansion of Douglas County Correctional Facility

The Douglas County Commission unanimously approved a resolution that authorized the funding and construction of an expansion of the Douglas County Correctional Facility during its meeting Jan. 29.

The project will add a tower to the facility, which would provide between 84 and 112 beds. It also will include improvements to the visitation areas and an expansion of the jail’s parking lot. The expansion project is estimated to cost $29.6 million. Replacement of the existing central air and heating system will be completed at the same time.

Douglas County is among 13 counties selected to participate in new County Justice Peer Learning Network

Douglas County is one of 13 counties selected by the National Association of Counties to participate in a new County Justice Peer Learning Network. As a participant, Douglas County will receive technical assistance to implement solutions to provide support for justice-involved individuals with mental illness using a racial and ethnic disparities framework.

Douglas County selected by SAMHSA's GAINS Center to participate in workshop for addressing behavioral health needs

Douglas County has been selected by SAMHSA’s GAINS Center to participate in a Sequential Intercept Mapping (SIM) workshop that will result in a community-wide strategic plan for addressing behavioral health needs for those involved or at risk for involvement in the criminal justice system. The workshop also will help the community establish priorities for change and produce a local systems map.

Douglas County to launch pilot drug court program in January

Douglas County is scheduled to launch a pilot Drug Court in January and the program will accept 15 participants. Douglas County District Court Judge B. Kay Huff will preside over the specialty court in addition to her regular judicial duties.

Drug Court is a 16-month, four-phase program for adults who have been arrested and charged with a non-violent felony offense and are having difficulty staying substance free.

Emergency Management offering several trainings to help community prepare for severe weather

From damaging winds and large hail to flooding and the threat of tornadoes, individuals and businesses in Douglas County are at risk from severe weather. It’s up to each of us to know the right steps to take to ensure our safety should severe weather strike. This is why Douglas County Emergency Management is hosting several severe weather awareness activities. They are:

Kay Pesnell has served in Register of Deeds office for 30 years

Kay Pesnell has worked in the Douglas County Register of Deeds office for three decades. She was hired in 1990 as a recording clerk, became Deputy Register of Deeds in 2001, and in July 2002 was appointed Register of Deeds after the retirement of Sue Neustifter. She has been re-elected every four years since then. “I’ve always liked the job because it has a lot of variety to it,” she said.

Public Works receives grant for ADA-accessible viewing platform, picnic shelter at Wells Overlook Park

Douglas County Public Works was recently awarded a federal grant to help with the cost of constructing an ADA-accessible viewing platform with shelter and an ADA-accessible picnic shelter at Wells Overlook Park, which is a few miles south of Lawrence along N1000 Road.

The Land & Water Conservation Fund grant will reimburse 50 percent of the eligible expenses, up to $44,790, and it is administered by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism. County Commissioners approved the project agreement during their Jan. 15 meeting.

The project includes:

Reservations for Douglas County buildings can now be completed online

You can now reserve Douglas County buildings for parties, reunions or car shows online!

Douglas County rents buildings, grassy areas and an outdoor arena at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 21st and Harper streets, and a community building at Lone Star Lake. Fees vary depending on the facility, duration of event, and other services such as use of a kitchen or equipment setup.

To view rental options and availability or to make a reservation, visit: douglascountyks.org/fairgrounds.

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