Jasmin Moore describes sustainability as “living today like you really believe that there’s going to be a tomorrow.” The definition was developed by a youth group she worked with in Central Arkansas. She likes it because it’s relatable.

“It’s easy for kids to digest and understand that if they throw their can on the ground, it probably will be there tomorrow and the next day and 10 years from now, unless somebody picks it up and places it in the recycling bin,” she said.

Douglas County Emergency Management staff has compiled the following Q&A information to help those who are recovering from the May 28 tornado, and for those who want to provide assistance.

Q: How can I get assistance?

A: If you were impacted by the tornado and need any type of assistance (debris removal, financial, emotional) or have questions, please call 2-1-1.

The Queens Road (E1000 Road) bridge, just south of N1750 Road is now open to unrestricted traffic. The bridge has been closed since March 25 for concrete deck repairs.

In response to the 2019 Douglas County tornado and flooding, Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) has created the Douglas County Disaster Response Fund, which is now active to accept donations. The purpose of this fund now and in the future is for designated incidents of crisis or disaster whether man-made or otherwise for Douglas County.

Contributors to this fund may be individuals, families, corporations and other supporting entities wishing to support community response initiatives following a local situation of broad community impact.

Would you like to volunteer to help with recovery efforts this weekend?

Douglas County Emergency Management and the First United Methodist Church have opened a Volunteer Reception Center at the church, 867 U.S. Highway 40.

The Center will accept volunteers, ages 18 and older, to work from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 1, and 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 2.

Douglas County has opened two woody debris disposal sites for those who are clearing tree and brush storm debris. These sites will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday, June 9, to residents and contractors helping residents. The sites are located:

• Southeast corner of 31st Street and Haskell Avenue in Lawrence.
• Northeast corner of N1250 Road/E1600 Road (O'Connell Road).

Only woody debris (trees and brush) will be accepted at these sites. For all other storm debris, follow these guidelines:

Two and a half years ago, Anna Witt, 29, was arrested and booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility. She describes that moment as the darkest point in her life, but also as the turning point. “When I was arrested that was the beginning of my life for me, and I’m so blessed that it happened.”

Due to the recent rain and wet conditions, Douglas County Public Works has temporarily reopened Route 458 to traffic from East 1900 Road to East 2000 Road. Barricades have been removed and traffic can proceed through the project. Detour and road closed signs will be removed or covered on Monday, May 13.

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces today (May 3, 2019) that Topeka resident Ahmad Rayton, 23, was sentenced after pleading guilty to attempted voluntary manslaughter for attempting to kill Robert Wheeler during the deadly confrontation that occurred on October 1, 2017 on Massachusetts Street. 

For the first time since she can remember, 23-year-old Shyanne Smith is looking forward to the future.  “I never thought that I would be able to live clean and be happy, but I am,” she said.

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces today, in conjunction with the American Bar Association’s Law Day 2019, that he filed a motion for a court order to recall 2,433 arrest warrants in old Douglas County criminal and traffic cases.  Law Day, held annually on May 1, is a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law.  Law Day provides an opportunity to understand how law and the legal process protect our liberty, strive to achieve justice, and contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share.

Douglas County and partner agencies will host an event May 14 to recognize the community collaboration and work that has been accomplished to significantly reduce the number of people with serious mental illnesses in the Douglas County Correctional Facility. It will be 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, at the Cider Gallery, 810 Pennsylvania St., and is being held in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month and Stepping Up Month of Action.