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.

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.

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.