Fireworks rules, safety tips, local celebrations for July 4 in Douglas County | | With Independence Day approaching, Douglas County is reminding residents of the rules for using fireworks in unincorporated areas. Fireworks may be discharged only on private property with the owner’s permission and supervision. Their use on public streets or roadways is prohibited. | | |
Fireworks are permitted during the following times:
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Wednesday, July 1 - 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Thursday, July 2 - 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Friday, July 3 - 7 a.m. to midnight
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Saturday, July 4 - 7 a.m. to midnight
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Lone Star Lake specifics
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July 1-4 – Upper parking lot east of the campground (during above times).
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July 4, 6 p.m.-11:45 p.m. – The paved area between the maintenance buildings and the community building, and the shelter area south of the maintenance buildings.
Fireworks are prohibited on other park lands, including campgrounds and beaches.
| | Help keep our parks clean! Residents should pick up debris and trash from fireworks. These are file photos that were taken at Lone Star Lake Park after the Fourth of July. | |
Where you can buy fireworks
The Douglas County Zoning & Codes Department regulates firework sales and has issued 16 permits for 2026.
| | Douglas County Consolidated Fire District No. 1's main station is located at 300 W. 31st St. in Lawrence. | Consolidated Fire District No. 1 introduces Bucket Brigade to boost fire safety in Douglas County | |
Consolidated Fire District No. 1, in partnership with the Kansas State Fire Marshal and American Pyrotechnics Safety & Education Foundation, has launched the Bucket Brigade program in Douglas County. This program is designed to reduce fires caused by improper fireworks disposal following Independence Day celebrations.
The Bucket Brigade addresses one of the most common and preventable causes of post-holiday fires. Even after fireworks appear extinguished, they can retain enough heat to reignite, leading to fires in trash receptacles, garages and outdoor areas. The program encourages residents to soak used fireworks in water overnight before disposal, a simple step that significantly reduces that risk.
Fire Chief John Mathis encourages residents to follow safety practices when using and disposing of fireworks in their celebrations.
“This program is a practical, prevention-focused step that residents can easily take to reduce fire risk in their homes and neighborhoods,” Mathis said. “This simple action of soaking used fireworks before disposing of them protects families, neighborhoods and our firefighters. We encourage residents to plan ahead, pick up a bucket and be prepared before they begin their celebrations.”
Lawrence Home Depot donated 100 buckets for the initiative, and they will be available at fireworks stands in rural Douglas County until supplies run out.
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Community celebrations
The Eudora Star-Spangled Celebration is Saturday, July 4, at Eudora High School, 2203 W. Church St. The event starts at 5 p.m. and includes music, food trucks and family-friendly games and activities. The fireworks display will begin at dark.
The City of Lawrence’s Summerfest is Saturday, July 4, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St. The event starts at 4 p.m. and features children’s activities, music, busking performances, a tribute gallery and food trucks. A drone show is scheduled for 10 p.m. Viewing will be available from the derby arena.
| Lawrence's Summerfest will feature a drone show at appromixately 10 p.m. July 4 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. This photo was captured at the 2025 event by Douglas County Communications and Media Coordinator Karrey Britt. |
City fireworks regulations
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Offices closed
Douglas County government offices, District Court and the Senior Resource Center will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observation of the Fourth of July.
| | Board of County Commissioners | | |
Douglas County Commission meetings are at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the historic Courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St., on the second floor in the Commission meeting room. Meetings are also available on Zoom.
Commissioners took the following action on regular business agenda items in June. They unanimously approved:
- a site plan for a landscape and lawn care business on about 18.5 acres to the south of N 1800 Road.
** Recordings of County Commission meetings can be found on the Douglas County YouTube channel.
County Commissioners have work sessions to study and discuss various topics through the year. No action is taken during work sessions. The work sessions are held at 4 p.m. Wednesdays before the business meeting. Here's the schedule:
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July 1 – Consolidated Fire District No. 1 operating budget
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July 22 – Douglas County Capital Improvement Plan
Public hearings and deliberations on 2027 proposed budget
Commissioners are scheduled to meet with community partners and county departments that have requested additional funding for 2027 during public hearings from 9 a.m. to noon July 6-July 9. These are open to the public, but commissioners will not take public comment during the hearings. Here's the schedule based on the type of services provided:
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July 6 - Budget overview, supportive housing, behavioral health and substance use disorder.
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July 7 - Law enforcement, justice, heritage and land.
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July 8 - Emergency services, economic development and youth.
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July 9 - Vulnerable populations and vital services (housing and food), and county infrastructure, land records and taxation, and core services.
Commissioners are scheduled to begin their budget deliberations at 9 a.m. Friday, July 10.
| | County Commissioners Gene Dorsey, Erica Anderson, Patrick Kelly and Shannon Reid are among those who attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Hope Rising on June 4. | | Hope Rising to provide transitional housing for women in recovery and their children | | |
On June 4, DCCCA, Inc. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Hope Rising, a new transitional housing community in Lawrence for women in recovery and their children.
The community features five duplexes providing 10 housing units, located next to First Step at Lake View, DCCCA’s treatment center. Residents will also have access to support services, including childcare.
Douglas County contributed $800,000 in funding to support the initiative, which represents an important step toward advancing the goals of the “A Place for Everyone” plan to end chronic homelessness in our community.
Douglas County Commissioners Shannon Reid, Patrick Kelly, Gene Dorsey and Erica Anderson along with county staff attended the event.
| | Law banning kratom and 7-OH takes effect July 1 | |
Beginning July 1, Kansas law makes it illegal to possess, sell or purchase kratom (mitragynine) and 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine).
Residents and retailers who have these products should safely dispose of them at the Douglas County Sheriff's Office prescription drug collection box inside the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center or another medication disposal location in the county.
These opioid-acting products are currently sold in some vape shops, convenience stores, liquor stores, gas stations and other locations around Douglas County.
Professional help with addiction and severe withdrawal is available. For more information and resources visit dccca.org/kratom.
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The Douglas County Elections Office is located at 711 W. 23rd St., in the Malls Shopping Center on the southwest corner of 23rd and Louisiana streets. | Deadline to register to vote in primary is July 14 | |
There will be a primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 4, for federal, state, county and township seats. There’s also a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot.
Key dates to know:
- July 14 - Last day to register to vote or update your voter registration information for the primary.
- July 15 – First day of in-person advance voting. Advance ballots are mailed.
- July 28 – Last day to apply for an advance voting mail ballot.
- Aug. 3 – In-person advance voting ends at noon.
- Aug. 4 - Polling locations are open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. All advance ballots by mail must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
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For up-to-date information, residents may subscribe to the Douglas County Election Office’s Ballot Box blog.
Additionally, residents can explore current voter registration through a new Election Data Dashboard. The dashboard includes the number of registered, active and inactive voters, along with demographic information such as average age, median age, gender and location.
| | Engage Douglas County recognized the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office on June 25 with nominations for the 2026 Engaged in Action Awards related to the collaborative project to design and install 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline signs at public parks and recreational areas in Douglas County. From left are George Diepenbrock, DGSO’s public information officer, Capt. Chris Johnston, Undersheriff Stacy Simmons and Lt. Chad Robertson. | | Sheriff's Office earns recognition for work on 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline signs | | |
Engage Douglas County recognized the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office on June 25 as part of the annual Engaged in Action Awards, which celebrate individuals or organizations who demonstrate commitment to preventing suicide and promoting mental health.
The Sheriff’s Office earned an organization nomination, and Undersheriff Stacy Simmons and Public Information Officer George Diepenbrock, of the Sheriff’s Office, were nominated as individuals.
All nominations were related to a collaborative project to design and install signs that focus on connecting people experiencing crisis to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at public parks and recreational areas in Douglas County.
This intervention originated from the first Suicide Fatality Review Board meeting in 2025 after the Sheriff's Office and first responders identified a pattern of crisis calls in parks and recreation areas.
“It’s nice to be recognized, but this project was a true community effort because suicide prevention is a community responsibility,” Simmons said.
| | Lawrence police officer Anthony Harvey, left, is pictured with Leigh Housman, assistant director, and Jenny Hylton, juvenile services officer, both of Douglas County Youth Services, at the Engaged in Action Awards ceremony June 25 at DCCCA. | Lawrence Police Officer earns Engaged in Action Award for mentorship with youth | | |
Lawrence police officer Anthony Harvey received an Engaged in Action Award during a June 25 ceremony at DCCCA for his service and his commitment to supporting youth in the community. He was nominated by Douglas County Youth Services staff.
Harvey created Forward Progress, a mentorship program where he volunteers each week to meet with youth at the Douglas County Juvenile Detention Center.
Leigh Housman, assistant director of Youth Services, said Harvey’s mentorship is making a difference.
“He builds meaningful relationships founded on trust, accountability and encouragement,” she said. “He challenges youth to make positive choices and strive for success in every aspect of their lives. The youth genuinely look forward to his weekly visits and actively engage in the conversations and lessons he provides.”
Engage Douglas County is a community coalition that works to mobilize and empower Douglas County to reduce substance misuse and promote mental health primarily among youth through action, education and collaboration.
| | Daniel Dao, left, and Ian Bryan, right, are pictured at this year's Douglas County YEC Entrepreneurship Challenge where they received the top cash prizes. They are pictured with Assistant County Administrator Jill Jolicoeur. Both students advanced to the state contest where they won honors and cash prizes. | | Douglas County students earn honors, cash prizes at the State Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge | | |
Network Kansas and K-State Extension announced this month that Daniel Dao and Ian Bryan, both of Douglas County, earned honors and cash prizes at the State Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge.
Daniel, of Lawrence Virtual School, received Exemplary Conceptual recognition and a $2,000 prize for his business idea, BrainQuest, an app concept designed to build critical thinking and problem-solving skills for users of all ages and backgrounds.
Ian, of Baldwin High School, earned the fourth-place People’s Choice award in the tradeshow category and received a $1,000 prize for his business, IB Western Supply, which offers handcrafted leather goods.
The state event was held in April at Manhattan.
In February, Daniel and Ian, placed first and second, respectively, in the Douglas County YEC Challenge at The Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center.
Next year's Douglas County event will be Feb. 5, 2027.
| | Liam Melendez, of Lawrence High School, produced this video about the Douglas County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. | | Community members participate in the Feeding Eudora summer meal program in June. | Summer meal programs provides free meal kits for children of Douglas County | |
Douglas County has partnered with Lawrence Public Schools to offer a summer meal site at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in the Open Pavilion. Families can pick up a weekly meal kit for children, ages 1-18. Each kit includes five days of breakfast and lunch items that can be prepared at home.
Registration is required and can be completed by filling out this online form. These weekly meal kits are available through July 21.
Lawrence Public Schools also is offering a free meal site at Sunset Hill Elementary School, 901 Schwartz Road. Meals are free for children, ages 1-18, and cost $5 for adults. Meals are served from noon to 12:45 p.m. on weekdays through July 24. The site will be closed July 3.
For more information about the district’s summer meal program, visit its website.
Feeding Eudora and the Baldwin School District also are offering summer meal programs:
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In Eudora, meals are served from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, through July 30, at Eudora Public Library, 14 E Ninth St. For more information, follow Feeding Eudora on Facebook.
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The Baldwin School District is offering meal kits through July 29 at Baldwin Junior High School, 400 Eisenhower St. To register or learn more, visit the district’s website.
| | Junior Deputy Academy returns July 13-17 | |
After its successful debut in 2025, the Sheriff’s Office Junior Deputy Academy will return July 13-17 to the Douglas County Fairgrounds. The camp, which runs daily from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. that week, is free and open to Douglas County students entering third through fifth grades.
Students are sworn in as official junior deputies and will work with Sheriff's Office deputies, employees and local public safety employees to:
- Learn real‑life skills
- Explore patrol vehicles, investigations, dispatch and more
- Take part in hands‑on safety demonstrations
Transportation options are available for families who need it. For the registration process, email Morgan Haney at mhaney@dgso.org.
For more information about the program watch this video.
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Sheriff Jay Armbrister gives a presentation on scam prevention tactics on June 18 at the Jayhawk Welcome Center. | Sheriff warns residents to be on alert for scams | |
Sheriff Jay Armbrister advises Douglas County residents to be aware and stay informed about constant online and phone scam tactics. Several scams circulate regularly regarding fake arrest and tax warrants or missed jury duty.
Thanks to Central Bank of the Midwest, Armbrister spoke to dozens of residents on June 18 as part of a public presentation on how to be skeptical of scams, especially those that target the senior population.
Preventive measures include:
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Being skeptical of all information you receive, including unsolicited contacts, especially from people pressuring you to take action immediately.
- Do not answer calls from unrecognized numbers. If it’s a legitimate emergency, the person will get ahold of you another way.
If someone claims to be law enforcement and is seeking to collect money from you, it is a scam. With all calls like that, it's best to hang up and find the legitimate phone number for the agency.
The Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 785-841-0007. If you are a victim of any phone scam, please contact the Kansas Attorney General’s Office at 785-296-2215.
The Sheriff’s Office is happy to visit and give presentations to community groups or senior living communities. Call 785-841-0007 to set up a presentation.
| | Douglas County staff pose for a group picture June 16 to show their support for Team Algeria, who chose Lawrence as a base camp, or their "home away from home," while training for and participating in the FIFA World Cup. Algeria has advanced to the knockout stage and will play at 10 p.m. Thursday, July 2, in Vancouver, Canada, against Switzerland. 1,2,3 Viva l'Algerie! | | | | |
