Topeka-based Omni Circle Group, host organization for the Shawnee Startups eCommunity, is expanding its “Ignite: New Venture Discovery” program to the Lawrence area through a collaborative partnership with the Douglas County eCommunity. The partnership represents the first time two Network Kansas eCommunity partners have teamed up to expand access to resources for Kansas entrepreneurs.

The small parking lot on the south side of the historic Courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St., is scheduled to be closed Thursday, Feb. 5, through Sunday, Feb. 8, to install stormwater utilities that are needed due to the expansion of the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center (JLEC).

With significant construction happening around the courthouse and JLEC, we appreciate the community’s patience as this work progresses.

With thousands of visitors expected in Douglas County during this summer’s World Cup events, local organizations are partnering to help area businesses strengthen their online presence. The Lawrence Chamber, KU Small Business Development Center, Multistudio and Douglas County will host two free social media workshops designed to help businesses prepare for increased visibility and customer engagement.

Douglas County Emergency Management, in partnership with KU Emergency Management and the National Weather Service - Topeka Office, is hosting a severe weather training at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at Capitol Federal Hall, 1654 Naismith Drive, on the University of Kansas campus in Room 1111.

The two-hour workshop will include information about severe thunderstorm development, identification of storm features and safety tips. The free training is open to anyone, and it is being held in conjunction with Severe Weather Preparedness Month.

Douglas County Emergency Management is hosting an Extreme Heat Readiness Workshop from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, March 9, in Flory Meeting Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St.

The free workshop will cover how to recognize health-related illnesses, understand National Weather Service alerts, adjust operations safely and communicate effectively during periods of extreme heat. The training is geared toward local businesses, chambers of commerce, event organizers, leaders of sporting and recreation events, and communications professionals.

The Youth Services Division of Douglas County Criminal Justice Services is offering “The Parent Project,” a 10-week program that gives parents, grandparents and caregivers tools to guide their strong-willed teens (ages 10 and older) and build healthy families. 

Classes are held every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., starting Feb. 17 and ending April 28. The classes are held at 1006 New Hampshire Street in Lawrence.

The program is open to Douglas County residents, and there is no cost.

The Douglas County Treasurer’s Office will close its public-facing services inside the historic County Courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St., at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, as part of an effort to consolidate operations and improve customer service. The Courthouse location will continue to be used for internal functions.

Beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 16, all motor vehicle and real estate transactions in Lawrence will be handled exclusively at the Treasurer’s Sixth Street Office, 2601 W. Sixth St.

Douglas County is accepting applications for three appointments to serve on a new advisory board that will help guide the future of Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park, a 38-acre property at 163 E. 2000 Road near Baldwin City. The site features the historic Robert Hall Pearson farmhouse, nature trails, Captain’s Creek, restored prairie, picnic areas and a sugar maple grove. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.

The advisory board will make recommendations to Douglas County and the City of Baldwin City on:

The Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council is accepting applications for the 2026 Natural and Cultural Heritage Grant Program. Up to $250,000 is available, with individual awards of as much as $60,000. The Board of County Commissioners allocated funding for the program as part of the county’s annual budget.

The council encourages applications for community projects focused on cultural heritage, natural heritage or historic preservation. All projects must take place in Douglas County and be completed within two years.

The program includes two grant categories:

Douglas County is accepting applications for the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, a competition where students pitch their business ideas. The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 20, at The Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center, 2920 Haskell Ave., in Lawrence. The community is invited to attend.

Kansas lawmakers have approved changes to state law that will exempt several categories of personal property from taxation beginning Jan. 1, 2026. 

Douglas County Appraiser Brad Eldridge said about 38% of the county’s personal property assets will qualify for exemption under the new law

Personal property exempt from taxation starting Jan. 1, 2026:

Baldwin City and Douglas County have acquired Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park, a nationally significant site tied to the events of “Bleeding Kansas” and widely recognized as a precursor to the Civil War.

The 38-acre property, located at 163 E. 2000th Road near Baldwin City, includes the historic Robert Hall Pearson farmhouse, nature trails, Captain’s Creek, restored prairie, picnic areas and sugar maple grove. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.