Assistant to the County Administrator Jill Jolicoeur said she “fell in love” with local government while pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree at the University of Kansas. “Local government impacts every aspect of the community. It impacts people’s daily life, but often is the least appreciated and recognized.”

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.

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.”

The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office became aware of an issue that arose with the digital ticket system used by the Kansas Highway Patrol and overseen by the Office of Judicial Administration (OJA). With the closure of the Douglas County District Court this past Spring due to COVID-19, all tickets issued by Kansas Highway Patrol during that time were set on the first available court date in July. The digital ticket system never moved on to the next hearing date.

The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office became aware of an issue that arose with the digital ticket system used by the Kansas Highway Patrol and overseen by the Office of Judicial Administration (OJA). With the closure of the Douglas County District Court this past Spring due to COVID-19, all tickets issued by Kansas Highway Patrol during that time were set on the first available court date in July. The digital ticket system never moved on to the next hearing date.

The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office became aware of an issue that arose with the digital ticket system used by the Kansas Highway Patrol and overseen by the Office of Judicial Administration (OJA). With the closure of the Douglas County District Court this past Spring due to COVID-19, all tickets issued by Kansas Highway Patrol during that time were set on the first available court date in July. The digital ticket system never moved on to the next hearing date.

District Attorney Charles Branson wants to hear from Douglas County residents who believe that employees at the Lawrence Kia dealership inflated or misrepresented their income on their loan applications when purchasing a new or used automobile. As the Lawrence Journal-World recently reported, at least one person has alleged that someone at the dealership overstated her income when submitting her loan application. It is unknown at this time how many customers have been impacted.

Nonprofit agencies providing housing, health and human services are key stakeholders in preventing and protecting against COVID-19 in Douglas County. Many of these agencies are serving our communities most vulnerable populations including individuals experiencing physical and mental disabilities, homelessness, and domestic violence.

Here are some resources to assist agencies in mitigating the risks associated with COVID-19 and responding to incidents related to this serious public health threat:

Registration is now open for the Virtual 2020 Douglas County Behavioral Health Prevention Summit, July 27-August 7. A session will be held each weekday from noon to 1 p.m. 

Topics include: drug abuse prevention, mental health impact of COVID, Good Behavior Game, working with youth who engage in self-harm, brain science and trauma, and prevention in the age of vape.

Registration is free for anyone working or living in Douglas County and $25 for others.

Douglas County Data Analyst Matt Cravens provided a presentation about racial disparities in the local criminal justice system during the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s June 9 meeting, which was held using Zoom.

Cravens was hired in December 2019 to help support the work of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC). To meet the group’s challenges, Cravens collected and analyzed data on bookings and length of stay in the Douglas County Correctional Facility.

The recent murder of George Floyd has sent shockwaves through our nation.  Protestors flood the streets and remind us all that the fight for racial justice in America is still ongoing.  Just last month, hundreds of our community members marched from City Hall to the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center. They chanted, shouted, and carried signs, demonstrating their hunger for lasting societal change.

Earlier this week we witnessed another horrific act of racism. Believing that our Board of Douglas County Commissioners meeting on Wednesday night (June 3) would be an appropriate place to say a few words addressing this tragedy, I had planned to speak then. A few people for whom I have tremendous respect encouraged me not to wait, but to speak up now. To them, thank you. Your encouragement helps me to see that my privilege gives me the choice to wait. Waiting is something not afforded to the vulnerable, including those who live in fear due to the color of their skin.