Community leaders are working on implementing a number of new initiatives and programs in Douglas County to help prevent vaping, substance abuse, mental illness and suicide.

“We’re working to build an integrated system of care that moves from crisis and illness as a norm to recovery and prevention as a practice,” said Bob Tryanski, Director of Behavioral Health Projects for Douglas County. “Our focus is to prioritize prevention.”

Information Technology Director Jim Lawson began working for Douglas County in 1984 as an entry level computer programmer. “I’ve seen a lot of change. My iPhone has more memory and as much computing power as the mainframe we had when I started,” he said.

Douglas County used a mainframe computer to run all of its systems until personal computers became popular. Then, they designed Douglas County’s first computer network, which has grown and changed many times since then. “I’ve worked here forever. I think some people think I came with the building,” he joked.

From damaging winds and large hail to flooding and the threat of tornadoes, individuals and businesses in Douglas County are at risk from severe weather. It’s up to each of us to know the right steps to take to ensure our safety should severe weather strike. This is why Douglas County Emergency Management is hosting several severe weather awareness activities. They are:

Everyone knows to dial 911 for emergencies. But, what about 211?

By calling 211, Douglas County residents can be connected to services and programs on everything from legal services and counseling to job training, education programs, and child or adult day care.

The Douglas County Commission unanimously approved a resolution that authorized the funding and construction of an expansion of the Douglas County Correctional Facility during its meeting Jan. 29.

The project will add a tower to the facility, which would provide between 84 and 112 beds. It also will include improvements to the visitation areas and an expansion of the jail’s parking lot. The expansion project is estimated to cost $29.6 million. Replacement of the existing central air and heating system will be completed at the same time.

Kay Pesnell has worked in the Douglas County Register of Deeds office for three decades. She was hired in 1990 as a recording clerk, became Deputy Register of Deeds in 2001, and in July 2002 was appointed Register of Deeds after the retirement of Sue Neustifter. She has been re-elected every four years since then. “I’ve always liked the job because it has a lot of variety to it,” she said.

Public Works is accepting applications for the 2020 user-fee dust palliative program. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, March 6.

Douglas County has been selected by SAMHSA’s GAINS Center to participate in a Sequential Intercept Mapping (SIM) workshop that will result in a community-wide strategic plan for addressing behavioral health needs for those involved or at risk for involvement in the criminal justice system. The workshop also will help the community establish priorities for change and produce a local systems map.

Douglas County and the City of Lawrence are hosting an informational meeting about the 2020 Census from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, in the auditorium of Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St. The meeting is open to the public.



Local Census experts will share information about the 2020 Census, including timing, job opportunities and next steps.



Getting an accurate Census count is important to the State of Kansas and Douglas County. Here's why:

Douglas County Public Works was recently awarded a federal grant to help with the cost of constructing an ADA-accessible viewing platform with shelter and an ADA-accessible picnic shelter at Wells Overlook Park, which is a few miles south of Lawrence along N1000 Road.

The Land & Water Conservation Fund grant will reimburse 50 percent of the eligible expenses, up to $44,790, and it is administered by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism. County Commissioners approved the project agreement during their Jan. 15 meeting.

The project includes:

Douglas County is one of 13 counties selected by the National Association of Counties to participate in a new County Justice Peer Learning Network. As a participant, Douglas County will receive technical assistance to implement solutions to provide support for justice-involved individuals with mental illness using a racial and ethnic disparities framework.

The Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council is hosting a public meeting about the Historic Building Reconnaissance Survey that was recently completed in Marion and Willow Springs townships. The meeting will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 25, at Marion Springs School Building, 316 E. 900 Road, near Baldwin City.

In 2012, the Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council (HCC) began a countywide survey of natural, cultural and historic sites and structures by townships.