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.

Douglas County, in partnership with the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department and Kansas Department of Health and Environment, will provide for free the MyStrength app to Douglas County residents. MyStrength offers individuals support for managing depression, anxiety, stress, sleep and other health issues. It also allows users to set health goals and track their changes over time.

The Douglas County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) will host a public presentation about the Law Enforcement Contact Study at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, in Flory Meeting Hall at Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St. The presentation is free and open to anyone.

Douglas County has unveiled a new look for the home page of its website: douglascountyks.org.

The center of the home page features the county’s latest news, quick links, popular services, and events and meetings.

Randy Ellis, webmaster, said the goal was to create a home page that's easier to navigate and find information. “We are always working to improve the website and keep information as up-to-date as possible,” Ellis said.

Douglas County Criminal Justice Services began using a new software program, CE Pretrial, in December to notify defendants about upcoming court dates. The system is similar to what many health care providers use to notify clients about appointments.

Clients who have a case in pretrial status receive two notifications through a phone call or text message. The first notification is sent two days before the court hearing, and the second one is sent on the day of the hearing.