Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park

Douglas County and Baldwin City jointly own and operate 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. Efforts are currently underway to plan for the park's future.

Lone Star Lake Park

Douglas County owns and operates a 422-acre Lone Star Lake Park nestled within rural farmland in southwest Douglas County. The park features a 185-acre man-made lake which was created by damming Washington Creek. The park surrounds the lake and features a campground as well as many picnic areas along the edge of the lake. The present campground is the site of the former Lone Star Lake Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp which was used by the Corps while constructing the dam and creating the lake between 1934 and 1940. Originally, the camp had 26 buildings.

Wells Overlook Park

Douglas County owns and operates the 17-acre Wells Overlook Park. Wells Overlook Park is located three miles south of Lawrence and was donated in 1971 to Douglas County by William Wells in honor of his parents and grandfather, who was in the third party of the New England Emigrant Aid Society to make Kansas a Free State. The park's intention was to create as natural of a setting as possible to enjoy the vista.

Palmyra Fire District #2

Palmyra Fire District #2 is a volunteer fire district established in 2015. It serves approximately 80 square miles in the southeast corner of Douglas County. The department was founded in 1983 and was operated as a part of Palmyra Township until 2015. At that time, a separate governing board was established, by the county, and the fire district was born.

Lawrence man pleads to attempted murder

Member for

4 years 2 months
First Name
Cheryl
Last Name
Cadue
Job Title
PIO
Phone Number
785-832-5109
Submitted by ccadue on

Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez today announced that Adam B. Amyx Jr., 38, of Lawrence, agreed to plead no contest to attempted second-degree murder of a female passerby he tried to throw into the Kansas River. 

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on or about April 14, 2022 when Amyx lifted the then 21-year-old woman over the railing when the woman passed Amyx as she walked north bound on the south-bound bridge. The woman kicked Amyx several times and was able to run away when Amyx released his hold.

Lawrence man sentenced to prison for aggravated sexual battery

Member for

4 years 2 months
First Name
Cheryl
Last Name
Cadue
Job Title
PIO
Phone Number
785-832-5109
Submitted by ccadue on

Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez today announced that Andreios S. Alexander, 27, of Lawrence, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for aggravated sexual battery of a then 33-year-old Lawrence woman.

Lawrence man sentenced for child sex crimes

Member for

4 years 2 months
First Name
Cheryl
Last Name
Cadue
Job Title
PIO
Phone Number
785-832-5109
Submitted by ccadue on

Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez today announced that Jalil L. Brown, 30, of Lawrence, will serve 36 months probation after receiving a 73-month suspended sentence for aggravated indecent liberties with a child and sexual exploitation of a child.