Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces that today, Thursday, March 21, 2019, Leavenworth, Kansas resident Christina L. Towell, 38, entered a plea of guilty to first degree murder - felony murder in the November 2017 homicide of Joel Wales.   

“This was a heinous and calculated murder.  We are very relieved to provide closure to Joel’s family,” stated DA Branson following today’s hearing. 

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces that today, Tuesday, March 19, Tria L. Evans, 39, was sentenced for the first degree murder of Joel Wales, conspiracy to commit first degree murder, arson, and aggravated burglary. 

Beginning Monday, March 25, weather permitting, Queens Road (East 1000 Road) will be closed to through traffic from the Wakarusa Drive intersection to Route 438 (North 1800 Road; Farmers Turnpike).

Unusually severe winter weather conditions and recent wet weather have combined to significantly damage rock-surfaced roads in rural Douglas County.  Local rock-surfaced roads that are maintained by the nine townships in Douglas County have been particularly impacted.  Township resources are severely strained in trying to repair damaged roads.  The Board of County Commissioners requests patience from residents and travelers on township-maintained local roads while the townships work diligently to repair damaged roads.

Douglas County’s Public Works Department wants to remind Douglas County residents about the Kansas Noxious Weed Law. It requires residents who own or supervise land to control and eradicate weeds declared noxious by state legislative action. The prominent weeds in Douglas County are: Field Bindweed, Musk Thistle, Canada Thistle, Johnsongrass and Sericea Lespedeza.

Control is defined as preventing the production of viable seed and the vegetative spread of the plant.

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces that Topeka resident Dominique J. McMillon, 20, pleaded no contest today (March 5, 2019) to battery for his part in a fight that led up to the deadly October 1, 2017 incident on Massachusetts Street.  McMillon started the fight that quickly escalated when multiple other parties became involved. 

Four Baldwin High School students participated in the second annual Douglas County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge March 1 at Baker University in Collins Library. Each student prepared a written business plan, performed an elevator pitch, had a trade show booth and gave a formal presentation.

The Kansas Association of Counties along with Douglas County Commissioners recognized 31 Douglas County employees for their years of service during the Feb. 27 commission meeting. Together, these employees had a combined 504 years of service.

Employees earned certificates for eight years of service, and then certificates and pins for 16, 24 and 32 years of service. Three employees were recognized for 32 years of service: Information Technology Director Jim Lawson, Appraisal Manager II August Dettbarn and Public Works Administrative Officer Donna Miller.

Douglas County was named a 2019 Leadership Transformation Grant Partner by the Kansas Leadership Center.

Through the grant, Douglas County is able to offer leadership training to 40 members of the Food Policy Council, Heritage Conservation Council, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, Behavioral Health Leadership Coalition, Board of County Commissioners and county staff in 2019. The grant is valued at up to $25,000 worth of leadership training and support.

Beginning March 6, Douglas County Commission meetings will be at 5:30 p.m. to help make it easier for the public to attend. Currently, meetings are at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Douglas County Commission meetings are held on Wednesdays on the second floor of the County Courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts Street. The day of the week and location will remain the same.

Public Works is accepting applications for the 2019 user-fee dust palliative program. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, March 1.

District Attorney Charles Branson announces that on Monday, February 4, 2019 a jury convicted Lawrence resident Tria L. Evans, 39, of first degree murder and other felony crimes for her part in the November 2017 murder of Joel Wales.  The jury also convicted her of conspiracy to commit first degree murder, arson, and aggravated burglary.

“Domestic violence takes many forms.  Joel Wales died as a result of domestic violence perpetrated upon him by Tria Evans.  Her choice to take Joel’s life now has robbed their child of both of her parents,” said DA Branson.