The Board of County Commissioners will begin public hearings on the proposed 2026 budget at 9 a.m. Monday, July 7, in the Commission meeting room on the second floor of the historic Courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St.

The proposed $191.4 million budget includes a mill levy of 41.298 mills, which remains flat from last year. One mill equals one dollar per $1,000 of assessed property value. Commissioners may consider lowering the tax rate and adding services during the review process.

Starting July 14, North 900 Road will be closed between East 1050 Road and East 1100 Road for a bridge replacement project. Access will be maintained for nearby properties. Public Works will provide detailed notification to emergency services.

The existing narrow bridge was built in 1935 and carries vehicles over a tributary to Washington Creek. The project (2022-31) is included in Douglas County’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and is estimated to cost $1 million. The project is expected to take four months, weather permitting.

With Independence Day on the horizon, Douglas County is reminding residents of the rules for enjoying fireworks responsibly in unincorporated areas of the county. Fireworks may be legally discharged only on private property with the owner’s permission and supervision. Use on public streets or roadways is strictly prohibited.

Fireworks are permitted during the following times:

Starting July 15, Route 460 will be closed two miles east of U.S. 59 Highway. Public Works crews will replace culverts at three locations between East 1400 Road and East 1500 Road. The first location is marked on this map. 

The road will be closed to all traffic at the work zone. Access will be maintained for nearby properties. Public Works will provide detailed notification to emergency services.

Douglas County Emergency Management encourages residents to stay weather aware and supplement and diversify how they receive information.

At 9 years old, Tim Shoulderblade took his first sip of beer. At 13, he started to use meth after losing both his father and older brother in the span of months.

“I lost my father figures – my role models. I started following the wrong people,” Shoulderblade said. “After that, I just spiraled.”

Shoulderblade became addicted to alcohol and drugs, which led him to dropping out of school, participating in escalating criminal activity and homelessness. For 20 years, he lived a turbulent life.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is proud to offer its first Junior Deputy Academy July 7-11 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds where elementary students will learn about law enforcement, safety training and leadership skills in an interactive setting guided by deputies, corrections officers and civilian employees.

The academy is open to all Douglas County students entering third, fourth and fifth grades. Admission is free, and transportation options are available for families who need it.

About 50 community members gathered on May 28 to celebrate Cardinal Housing Network, a new nonprofit dedicated to providing safe, supportive housing for women in recovery in Douglas County. The organization offers educational programming, access to in-home and community-based recovery groups, and supplemental care coordination — creating a vital resource for women on their healing journey.

Douglas County has been selected as one of 15 local governments nationwide to participate in the International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) 2025 Economic Mobility and Opportunity Peer Learning Cohort and Mini Grant Program. This initiative aims to equip local decision-makers with resources to identify and advance strategies that enhance economic mobility for residents in their communities.

During tonight’s meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved a subgrant agreement with ICMA, which allows the county to participate in the program.

Massachusetts Street in downtown Lawrence is temporarily closed today, May 20, in front of the historic Courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts Street, to repair an aging waterline. The closure extends from 11th Street to W North Park Street.

Douglas County is working with the City of Lawrence and has hired a contractor to complete the repairs. Efforts are being made to minimize disruption to traffic. After the workday, crews will place street plates so at least one lane each way can reopen overnight. The project is expected to take about 5-7 days to complete, weather permitting.

Kanwaka Township Road Superintendent Jeff Skinner was recognized Tuesday evening for his swift, decisive actions in helping to extinguish and contain a large grass fire on March 14 amid near hurricane-force winds.

Douglas County Consolidated Fire District No. 1 presented Skinner with a plaque at the beginning of the Kanwaka Township Board meeting, commending his proactive response.

Five community events will receive a total of $24,000 in funding from the Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council’s new Heritage Events and Celebration Fund program. 

The recipients and award amounts are: