Douglas County offers an online tool called myStrength that is available 24/7. It's free and confidential! MyStrength offers a variety of programs, including: mindfulness and meditation, improving sleep, reducing stress, controlling anxiety, managing depression, balancing intense emotions, facing racism and discrimination, and coping with COVID-19.

To sign up for myStrength, visit https://mystrength.com and use access code: Douglas County.

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Kansas businesses and residents affected by tornadoes and severe storms that occurred May 28, announced acting Administrator Christopher M. Pilkerton of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Governor Laura Kelly on June 12.

The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Douglas, Franklin, Jefferson, Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami, Osage and Shawnee counties.

Douglas County is seeking proposals from contractors for the removal of disaster generated construction and demolition (C&D) debris from public lands, easements, and rights-of-way, the reduction of woody debris by grinding at one Debris Management Site, and the hauling off of the woody debris mulch generated by grinding from the same Debris Management Site. Removal of private property disaster debris moved to within reach of public rights-of-way is included.

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.

Jasmin Moore describes sustainability as “living today like you really believe that there’s going to be a tomorrow.” The definition was developed by a youth group she worked with in Central Arkansas. She likes it because it’s relatable.

“It’s easy for kids to digest and understand that if they throw their can on the ground, it probably will be there tomorrow and the next day and 10 years from now, unless somebody picks it up and places it in the recycling bin,” she said.

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.

In response to the 2019 Douglas County tornado and flooding, Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) has created the Douglas County Disaster Response Fund, which is now active to accept donations. The purpose of this fund now and in the future is for designated incidents of crisis or disaster whether man-made or otherwise for Douglas County.

Contributors to this fund may be individuals, families, corporations and other supporting entities wishing to support community response initiatives following a local situation of broad community impact.

Would you like to volunteer to help with recovery efforts this weekend?

Douglas County Emergency Management and the First United Methodist Church have opened a Volunteer Reception Center at the church, 867 U.S. Highway 40.

The Center will accept volunteers, ages 18 and older, to work from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 1, and 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 2.

Douglas County has opened two woody debris disposal sites for those who are clearing tree and brush storm debris. These sites will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday, June 9, to residents and contractors helping residents. The sites are located:

• Southeast corner of 31st Street and Haskell Avenue in Lawrence.
• Northeast corner of N1250 Road/E1600 Road (O'Connell Road).

Only woody debris (trees and brush) will be accepted at these sites. For all other storm debris, follow these guidelines:

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.”

Due to the recent rain and wet conditions, Douglas County Public Works has temporarily reopened Route 458 to traffic from East 1900 Road to East 2000 Road. Barricades have been removed and traffic can proceed through the project. Detour and road closed signs will be removed or covered on Monday, May 13.