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. 

With the measles outbreak occurring in various states across the country, the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department will host four community clinics around the county for people who want to receive the measles vaccine.

Four Clinics Hosted Around the County

The clinics will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.:

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson warned residents to continue to be on guard of check, sweepstakes and work at home scams. 

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announced today Topeka resident Robert Lee Davis, 39, plead guilty to aggravated burglary and theft in Douglas County District Court.  The crimes were committed in October 2013. 

The Board of County Commissioners of Douglas County, through the Public Works Department, is making available a "user fee" dust palliative program to interested county residents.  The program consists of applying liquid calcium chloride or magnesium chloride to rock roads typically in front of houses in an effort to reduce dust created by vehicles.