Lone Star Lake remains under a Watch Advisory for blue-green algal blooms that may be harmful to humans and animals. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment tested the water on Aug. 31, and the results kept the advisory in place.

KDHE placed Lone Star Lake under a Watch Advisory on July 24. The lake is in southwest Douglas County.

KDHE discourages swimming, wading and water skiing near visible blooms. Do not let pets or livestock drink from affected water. Watch Advisory recommendations include:

Douglas County Emergency Management is accepting registrations for its Fall 2026 CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) weekend class. The course is designed to teach individuals to be better prepared to help themselves, their families and communities before, during and after a disaster.

The training will be Oct. 9-Oct. 11 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St., in Flory Meeting Hall. The approximate schedule will be:

On Sept. 1, the small parking lot on the south side of the historic courthouse closed for construction. The construction project will nearly double the number of parking spaces in the lot, increasing capacity from 20 to 36. It is expected to be completed by the end of November. The drop boxes for the Treasurer's Office and the Elections Office have been relocated near the front steps, those facing Massachusetts Street, of the historic courthouse.

Also on Sept. 1, 18 additional spaces reopened in the parking lot south of the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center (JLEC).

This story is part of a series published in recognition of Supportive Housing Week, highlighting programs in Douglas County that combine affordable housing with services to help people maintain stability, improve their health and live independently. We are grateful to those who have agreed to share their experiences to show how this investment is making an impact.

Mark, 67, and his dog, Tank, are settling into their new home in North Lawrence.

“This hasn’t just changed my life. It has saved my life,” he said. “It’s a new home and new beginning.”  

This story is part of a series published in recognition of Supportive Housing Week, highlighting programs in Douglas County that combine affordable housing with services to help people maintain stability, improve their health and live independently. We are grateful to those who have agreed to share their experiences to show how this investment is making an impact.

Mary Rodriguez, a wellness and support advocate employed by Mental Health of America Heartland, works with homeless individuals who have received a voucher through Douglas County’s Flexible Housing Pool program.

This story is part of a series published in recognition of Supportive Housing Week, highlighting programs in Douglas County that combine affordable housing with services to help people maintain stability, improve their health and live independently. We are grateful to those who have agreed to share their experiences to show how this investment is making an impact.

This story is part of a series published in recognition of Supportive Housing Week, highlighting programs in Douglas County that combine affordable housing with services to help people maintain stability, improve their health and live independently. We are grateful to those who have agreed to share their experiences to show how this investment is making an impact.

Trudy, 78, is among the first tenants to move into Delmar Place Apartments, which opened this year.

“I’m extremely grateful,” she said. “I love being here.”

This story is part of a series published in recognition of Supportive Housing Week, highlighting programs in Douglas County that combine affordable housing with services to help people maintain stability, improve their health and live independently. We are grateful to those who have agreed to share their experiences to show how this investment is making an impact.

Elisha, 31, describes the housing and supportive services that he receives through Artists Helping the Homeless (AHH), a regional nonprofit, as life changing.

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 Sept. 15 and ending Nov. 17, at 1006 New Hampshire Street in Lawrence.

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

Lone Star Lake remains under a Watch Advisory for blue-green algal blooms that may be harmful to humans and animals. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment tested the water on Aug. 3, and the results kept the advisory in place.

KDHE placed Lone Star Lake under a Watch Advisory on July 24. The lake is in southwest Douglas County.

KDHE discourages swimming, wading and water skiing near visible blooms. Do not let pets or livestock drink from affected water. Watch Advisory recommendations include:

Douglas County tenants facing eviction now have access to free legal consultation and representation through the Tenant Eviction Defense pilot program, which launched June 1.

The program is designed to assist participants in stabilizing their housing, preventing homelessness and promoting access to clean, safe and sanitary living conditions. It is supported by the Douglas County District Court Self-Help Center in partnership with Kansas Holistic Defenders and Kansas Legal Services.

An advisory board is seeking public input on 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.