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.”
Douglas County Commissioners set the 2020 county budget for publication during their July 17 meeting.
They recommended a .379 mill levy increase, which raises the mill levy from 46.015 to 46.394. The owner of a $185,000 home will pay the county about $8 more in property taxes.
The 2020 budget includes additional funding for:
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.
Douglas County Route 458 (North 1000 Road) from East 1900 Road to East 2000 Road will be closed to through traffic beginning Monday, June 24, weather permitting, for the resumption of construction project activities. Route 1057 (E 1900 Road) will remain open to north-south traffic. A detour will be re-established following Route 1057 (East 1900 Road), Route 460 (North 700 Road), and Route 1061 (East 2200 Road).
Douglas County Public Works announces a portion of Route 460 (N 700 Road) at Vinland will be closed on Tuesday, July 16, and Wednesday, July 17, for two culvert replacements, weather permitting.
One culvert location is just east of the Vinland airport runway, and the other culvert is located between E 1719 Road and E 1725 Road. Route 460 will be opened at the end of each workday. There will be no posted detour given the relatively short duration for the closures. An available detour route is Route 1057 (E 1900 Road) to Route 458 (N 1000 Road) to Route 1055 (E 1600 Road).
Douglas County Public Works plans to close Route 1061 (E 2200 Road) to through traffic between Route 458 (N 1000 Road) and K-10 Highway beginning Monday, July 29, for a large culvert replacement project. The culvert is located 0.38 miles north of N 1100 Road. The Route 1061 closure date is contingent upon construction on Route 458 from E 1900 Road to E 2000 Road being completed and opened to traffic. Route 1061 will not be closed until Route 458 is opened to traffic.
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.
The Queens Road (E1000 Road) bridge, just south of N1750 Road is now open to unrestricted traffic. The bridge has been closed since March 25 for concrete deck repairs.
Amy Roust, Douglas County Senior GIS Analyst, has received first place in the 2019 GIS Certification Institute Map Contest for her entry titled, “Risk Assessment for Alien Abduction.” It’s a statistical analysis on the probability of being abducted by aliens based on sightings around the world.
Douglas County GIS Coordinator Bryce Hirschman described the contest as fiercely competitive. “All of the exhibits are very well done,” he said.
Courthouse:
1100 Massachusetts Street
Lawrence, KS 66044
Judicial and Law Enforcement Center:
111 East 11th Street
Lawrence, KS 66044