Fireworks can be legally discharged in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County as long as the property owner has given permission and provides supervision. Fireworks are allowed at the following times:
Fireworks should not be discharged on a public street or roadway.
Douglas County is seeking proposals from contractors for the removal of disaster generated construction and demolition (C&D) debris from public lands, easements, and rights-of-way, the reduction of woody debris by grinding at one Debris Management Site, and the hauling off of the woody debris mulch generated by grinding from the same Debris Management Site. Removal of private property disaster debris moved to within reach of public rights-of-way is included.
Amy Roust, Douglas County Senior GIS Analyst, has received first place in the 2019 GIS Certification Institute Map Contest for her entry titled, “Risk Assessment for Alien Abduction.” It’s a statistical analysis on the probability of being abducted by aliens based on sightings around the world.
Douglas County GIS Coordinator Bryce Hirschman described the contest as fiercely competitive. “All of the exhibits are very well done,” he said.
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.
The public is invited to a retirement reception in honor of Douglas County District Court Judge Paula B. Martin. The reception will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 14, in the Douglas County Courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St., on the second floor in the County Commission meeting room. She has been a judge for he Douglas County District Court for 25 years.
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:
Only woody debris (trees and brush) will be accepted at these sites. For all other storm debris, follow these guidelines:
Douglas County Government’s general and satellite offices will be closed Monday, May 27, for Memorial Day.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Dispatch Center and Criminal Justice Services will be operating. If you have an emergency, please call 911. If you have a non-emergency, call 785-832-7509.
There will be no Douglas County Commission meeting on Wednesday, May 29.
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.”