Two and a half years ago, Anna Witt, 29, was arrested and booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility. She describes that moment as the darkest point in her life, but also as the turning point. “When I was arrested that was the beginning of my life for me, and I’m so blessed that it happened.”
Deputy Douglas County Clerk Heather Dill was designated as a Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA), the highest professional achievement, in a ceremony conducted by the National Election Center on Aug. 20 in Orlando, Florida.
Douglas County and eight community agencies now offer residents a new online resource for wellness and mental health. Livongo for Behavioral Health by myStrength, an innovative leader in digital behavioral health care, provides digital self-care resources 24/7, including treatment-inspired exercises, mindfulness meditations and self-care activities.
Clint Flory was born and raised in Douglas County and was active in 4-H, like his father and grandfather. That meant he spent a lot of time at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in east Lawrence, where he attended 4-H meetings, competitions and the county fair.
He also met his wife, Josie, at the fairgrounds, and now their children – ages 11, 13 and 14 – are active in 4-H as well. “We’ve all grown up here,” he said.
Areas of Douglas County received between 8 and 10 inches of heavy rainfall within eight hours July 31-Aug. 1, which caused widespread flooding and potentially caused damage to more than 100 homes.
If this rain had fallen over a 24-hour period, it would have been close to the 100-year rainfall event used to create Douglas County FEMA floodplain maps. Because it happened over eight hours, historical data indicates that this particular storm is similar to a 500-year flood event.
One of the employees you’re likely to interact with when you visit the Treasurer’s Office on the first floor of the Douglas County Courthouse is Ida Crawford.
With a background in customer service, Crawford said she likes “everything” about her job. She enjoys computers and helping people. “Being able to talk to customers and help meet their needs is always nice,” she said. “My co-workers make it fun, too.”
Douglas County, Baldwin City and the Kansas Department of Agriculture will host a public open house to discuss the draftFlood Insurance Rate Map from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, at the American Legion Hall, 705 High Street, in Baldwin City.
The Flood Insurance Rate Map and Flood Insurance Study for some areas near Baldwin City are being updated to provide more accurate information regarding a property owner’s flood risk.
Douglas County Public Works now plans to close Route 1061 (E 2200 Road) to through traffic between Route 458 (N 1000 Road) and K-10 Highway beginning Wednesday, July 31, for a large culvert replacement project. It was originally scheduled to close Monday, July 29. The closure postponement is necessary since construction on Route 458 from E 1900 Road to E 2000 Road will not be completed and the road opened to traffic by Monday, July 29.
Douglas County Emergency Management staff has compiled the following Q&A information to help those who are recovering from the May 28 tornado, and for those who want to provide assistance.
Q: How can I get assistance?
A: If you were impacted by the tornado and need any type of assistance (debris removal, financial, emotional) or have questions, please call 2-1-1.
Courthouse:
1100 Massachusetts Street
Lawrence, KS 66044
Judicial and Law Enforcement Center:
111 East 11th Street
Lawrence, KS 66044