In May, Douglas County Zoning Administrator Ben Harris, along with his family and friends, hosted their annual Kids Plant Sale, raising $3,722 for Just Food, a local food pantry.

Harris said the idea grew from a walk with his oldest son, Sam, who was 7 at the time. As they walked around their property, they noticed a large number of Lily of the Valley plants. Harris explained that they could dig up the bulbs and divide them to create new plants. Those plants would cost quite a bit at a garden nursery depending on the pot and size.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment added Lone Star Lake to its Watch Advisory today, July 24, for blue-green algal blooms that may be harmful to humans and animals. Lone Star Lake is located in southwest Douglas County.

KDHE discourages swimming, wading and water skiing near visible blooms. Do not let pets or livestock drink from affected water. Watch recommendations also include:

The Board of County Commissioners reached a tentative agreement July 15 on an approximately $199.2 million budget for 2027. Commissioners agreed on a mill levy of 40.286 mills, a decrease of 0.383 mills from last year.

For the fifth consecutive year, the county commission has lowered the mill levy. Since 2023, the commission has reduced the mill levy by a combined 7.112 mills, lowering the rate from 47.419 to 40.286, a decrease of 15%. One mill is one dollar per $1,000 assessed value.

Notice of Sheriff’s Sale of real estate situated in Douglas County, Kansas, on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 10 a.m. in the county commission meeting room on the second floor of the historic courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St., in downtown Lawrence.

For information about the tax sale, email taxes@dgcoks.gov or call 785-832-5178.

The Board of County Commissioners will begin public hearings on the proposed 2027 budget at 9 a.m. Monday, July 6, in the commission meeting room on the second floor of the historic courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St.

The proposed $201.5 million budget includes a mill levy of 40.669 mills, which remains flat compared to last year. One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Commissioners may consider lowering the tax rate and adding services during the review process.

The Douglas County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), which also serves as the Douglas County Emergency Management Board, announces the recipients of the 2026 Preparedness Partner Awards. Presented annually, these awards recognize individuals and organizations whose dedication to planning, collaboration and community preparedness has strengthened Douglas County's ability to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.

Consolidated Fire District No. 1, in partnership with the Kansas State Fire Marshal and American Pyrotechnics Safety & Education Foundation, has launched the Bucket Brigade program in Douglas County. This program is designed to reduce fires caused by improper fireworks disposal following Independence Day celebrations.

With Independence Day approaching, Douglas County is reminding residents of the rules for using fireworks in unincorporated areas. Fireworks may be discharged only on private property with the owner’s permission and supervision. Their use on public streets or roadways is prohibited.

Fireworks are permitted during the following times:

Score Lawrence HQ on Massachusetts Street opens to the public June 12 as a space for visitors and locals alike to connect with Lawrence activities related to the World Cup. The opening coincides with the first Score Lawrence soccer viewing party.

Located at 1026 Massachusetts St., the headquarters for Score Lawrence will feature:

Douglas County has partnered with Lawrence Public Schools to offer a summer meal site at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in the Open Pavilion. Families can pick up a weekly meal kit for children, ages 1-18. Each kit includes five days of breakfast and lunch items that can be prepared at home.

Registration is required and can be completed by filling out this online form.

In honor of America at 250, the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, the Watkins Museum of History, the City of Lawrence, and Douglas County are partnering to celebrate the public servants who help our community thrive.

The new "Douglas County, Kansas Public Servants Past & Present Tribute Gallery" will debut at Summerfest on July 4 and will honor current and former public servants from across Douglas County, including educators, first responders, military service members and veterans, city and county employees, university staff and faculty, and state and federal workers.

Douglas County Commissioners recently approved an engineering services agreement with HNTB Corporation to complete an environmental assessment for the Wakarusa Drive extension project at a maximum cost of $276,835. They unanimously approved the agreement during their May 13 business meeting.