Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announced today a jury found former Lawrence resident Martin Miller, 56, guilty in the retrial of the 2004 first degree murder of his then wife, the late Mary Miller.  The retrial was a result of a February 2014 decision by the Kansas Court of Appeals that ruled Miller must be provided a new trial due to a jury instruction error during the original 2005 trial.

Beginning at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, April 1, the intersection of Route 1055 (E 1700 Road) with N 600 Road will be closed to all traffic.  In addition to closure of the N 600 Road intersection, Route 1055 will remain closed from the north side of N 500 Road to N 600 Road.  Route 1055 between N 400 Road and N 500 Road will be reopened to traffic through construction.

The Douglas County Public Works Department announces that beginning Thursday, March 26, 2015, E 1750 Road between N 400 Road (Route 12; State Lake Road) and N 500 Road will be closed to through traffic.  The closure is temporary, and will remain in place while Route 1055 is closed to through traffic between N 400 Road and N 500 Road for construction work.

Residents along E 1750 Road will be able to access their properties from N 400 Road only.  There will be no traffic allowed on E 1750 Road between N 500 Road and ¼-mile south of N 500 Road.

2014 was a busy year for Emergency Management spent reviewing and enhancing emergency plans, as well as continuing programs that increased the overall level of community preparedness in Douglas County. As we reflect on the year’s accomplishments, we can certainly be proud of the work we did and the partnerships developed, with other agencies, focused on the health and public safety of the citizens of Douglas County. We hope you will enjoy our 2014 Annual Report.

Jurors on Friday convicted Sarah Brooke Gonzales McLinn in the brutal knife death of Harold Sasko.  Today jurors heard arguments by the State and defense attorney about whether the crime was committed in a “heinous, atrocious and cruel” manner allowing for the Hard 50 sentence.  The jury returned with a verdict just before noon today agreeing with the State.

Effective immediately, Douglas County has lifted the Burn Ban. If you plan to burn, log it with Dispatch by calling 785-843-0250.

On Wednesday, March 18th, the Douglas County Commission approved the extension of the countywide burn ban through March 25th following a unanimous recommendation from township fire chiefs.

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announced today a jury convicted former Topeka resident Archie L. Robinson, 30, of aggravated burglary and first degree murder-felony murder in the 2014 shooting of Mr. Patrick D. Roberts. 

The Douglas County Public Works Department announces that beginning Thursday, March 19, Route 1055 (E 1700 Road) will be closed to through traffic between N 400 Road and N 600 Road for Phase 1 of project work to improve roadside safety.  The Route 1055 closures will be from the north side of the N 400 Road intersection to the south side of the N 600 Road intersection.  Each intersection will remain open during Phase 1 work, which is anticipated to last approximately one week, weather permitting.

The Douglas County Public Works Department announces that beginning Monday, March 9, project work will commence to improve roadside safety on Route 1055 (E 1700 Road) from Route 12 (N 400 Road) to Route 460 (N 700 Road) at Vinland. Initial work consists of tree removal within road right-of-way between N 500 Road to N 600 Road.  Route 1055 will remain open to through traffic during tree removal work, which is expected to complete by March 20.

William Burke was arrested Tuesday morning under suspicion of domestic battery, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, kidnapping and criminal threat after a report was made Monday night to the Lawrence Police Department.  The District Attorney’s office was briefed Wednesday morning by law enforcement investigators, who provided the currently available reports in this case.  Because of the ongoing investigation it was determined additional information was necessary before criminal charges could be considered.   The District Attorney’s office will make a charging decisio

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces Lawrence resident Edward J. Parker, 25, was sentenced today in the Division Six courtroom of the Honorable Peggy C. Kittel to 216 months in prison for his January 9 no contest plea to attempted second degree murder.  The Court also ordered $123,167.55 in restitution be paid for the victim’s medical expenses and ordered upon his eventual release from prison that he must register as a violent offender for 15 years.