March 2026 Newsletter

Join us for Douglas County Discovery Day on April 21 at the fairgrounds

Douglas County will celebrate National County Government Month with Discovery Day, a community event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, in the Open Pavilion at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 21st and Harper streets.

“Discovery Day is a chance for residents to meet the people behind county services and see how we work every day to support our community,” County Administrator Sarah Plinsky said. “We’re looking forward to connecting with our neighbors in a fun and meaningful way.”

Event highlights include:

• Touch-a-truck activities featuring vehicles and equipment from Public Works, the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, Emergency Communications, Consolidated Fire District No. 1, Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical and Maintenance.
• Interactive games for all ages hosted by county departments, including Criminal Justice Youth Services, Administration, Clerk/Elections, GIS and Sustainability.
• Information and resources from county departments and community partners, including Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, the Treatment and Recovery Center, Engage Douglas County and LiveWell Douglas County.

Local food trucks – Barbwire Barbecue, JB’s Tacos and Pretzelly – will be on-site offering food for purchase.

Since 1991, the National Association of Counties has encouraged counties across the country to raise public awareness about county roles, responsibilities and services during April. National County Government Month provides an opportunity to highlight the many ways county government serves residents every day.

The Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to proclaim April as National County Government Month at its April 8 meeting.

A photo from the northwest corner of the historic courthouse in downtown Lawrence on March 24, just after restoration work on the exterior of the building was complete.

Exterior courthouse restoration complete; additional site improvements ahead

Construction and restoration work on the exterior of the historic courthouse is complete. 

Crews began waterproofing the building’s foundation in fall 2023. In 2024, work continued with cleaning, repairing and replacing stones on the exterior. 

The 1904 building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means any exterior or interior design and construction work must meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. These standards emphasize retaining as much original historic material as possible. 

One example is the reconstruction of the north exterior stairs, which were replaced because of their severe deterioration and historic significance. While the entrance will not be reopened, the stairs will now offer improved public access for uses such as seating and photography.

Upcoming improvements include washing windows, repairing sidewalks, replacing the sprinkler system and adding new landscaping and lighting. County staff anticipate this work will be completed by summer, just in time to shine during the World Cup.

A photo of the north side of the historic courthouse before restoration work started.

A photo of the stairs on the north side of the historic courthouse before restoration work. They were in a state of great deterioration, and bushes were planted in front of them.

A photo of the north side of the building and the newly restored stairs. While the entrance will not be reopened, the stairs will now offer public access for uses such as seating and photography.

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. The commission will not have a meeting on April 1.

Commissioners took the following action on regular business agenda items in March:

• approved a one-year extension of a conditional use permit for Kansas Sky Energy Center for the use of a commercial/utility scale solar energy conversion system and a funding agreement associated with the conditional use permit. The vote was 4-1 with Commissioner Anderson opposed.
• approved a proposal for the county administration to develop a Tenant Eviction Defense pilot program utilizing $40,000 in 2026 budget funds. The program will need final approval by the board. The vote was 3-2 with Commissioners Anderson and Dorsey opposed.

They unanimously approved:

• a revised site plan for Heinen Outdoor Power Equipment at 1795 E. 1500 Road.
• a Headquarters Kansas request for $300,000 in one-time solvency funds.

On March 18, they approved $409,269 in funding requests using the Douglas County Municipalities Fight Addiction Fund. They were:

• Artists Helping The Homeless, new van and vehicle wrap, $46,000.
• Cardinal Housing Network, debt for supportive housing, $109,631.
• Cardinal Housing Network, salary support, $51,538.
• DCCCA, school-based prevention efforts, $35,000.
• Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health and Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C testing for uninsured and underinsured residents, $50,000.
• Amethyst Amplified, consulting for a long-term support housing program for women and children recovering from generational poverty, substance use and trauma, $32,000.
• Douglas County Sheriff's Office and other police departments in county, mental health wellness assessment for officers and staff, $85,100.

* Recordings of County Commission meetings can be found on the Douglas County YouTube channel.

Work sessions

County Commissioners have work sessions to study and discuss various topics throughout the year. No action is taken during work sessions. The work sessions are held at 4 p.m. Wednesdays before the business meeting. Here are the sessions scheduled:

• April 8 – Consolidated Fire District No. 1’s Capital Improvement Plan review
• April 15 – Douglas County Extension Council 
• April 22 – Treatment & Recovery Center review

Deadline for property tax rebate program is April 15

Douglas County is offering a property tax rebate program for low-income seniors and disabled veterans, and the deadline to apply is April 15. The maximum rebate payment per household is $400.

The program is for Douglas County residents who are ages 65 and older or disabled veterans. Eligibility requirements include:

• Own and occupy a home that is not used as a short-term rental.
• The home's appraised value is $350,000 or less.
• Household income is at or below the Kansas Homestead Refund program income limit or U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s very low-income limits.

Applications need to be submitted along with proof of income and other required documents.

Emergency Management accepting registrations for preparedness, safety training course

Douglas County Emergency Management is accepting registrations for its spring 2026 CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) weekend class. The course is designed to teach individuals to be better prepared to help themselves, their families and communities before, during and after a disaster.

The training will be April 17-19 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St., in Flory Meeting Hall. It is held on Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday afternoon.

The training course includes information about disaster preparedness, fire safety, medical operations, light search and rescue, terrorism, team organization and other safety measures.

At the conclusion of the training, individuals may register to become a CERT volunteer. Authorized CERT volunteers provide support to first responders and other agencies during a disaster and at community events as directed by Emergency Management.

The training is free, but individuals need to register on the county’s website: https://www.dgcoks.gov/dgcocert.

Senior Resource Center hosting Volunteer Appreciation Reception on April 29

The Senior Resource Center (SRC) will host its annual Senior Volunteer Appreciation Reception from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at 745 Vermont St. The open-house-style event welcomes all senior volunteers in the community. RSVPs are requested by April 27 at srccontact@dgcoks.gov or 785-842-0543.

The reception is part of SRC’s celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Month, which recognizes the many older adults whose service strengthens programs and services across Douglas County.

SRC celebrates several examples of the impact of senior volunteers, including Meals on Wheels, AARP Tax-Aide and CASA. These community partner programs operate thanks to the power of volunteers, most over age 65, who help residents of Douglas County.

SRC also depends on a dedicated group of Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) volunteer Medicare counselors. These volunteers assist beneficiaries with navigating coverage options and selecting plans. The majority of the SHICK team is made up of retirees who devote hours to the service.

In addition to formal volunteer roles, many seniors informally support SRC programs by participating in activities, welcoming newcomers and encouraging others to get involved. These regular attendees act as ambassadors for SRC and help create a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.

“Volunteerism, particularly among older adults, plays an essential role in the county’s overall well being and contributes to a stronger, more connected community,” SRC Manager Megan Poindexter said. “The event gives us a chance to say thank you as well as creating a space for fellowship among the volunteers.”

To explore volunteer opportunities in Douglas County, visit the United Way of Kaw Valley or call 785 273 4804.

Douglas County Judge Sally Pokorny, front row, left, is pictured with members of the Behavioral health Court team in August 2024. Pokorny was the first judge in Kansas to establish a Behavioral Health court that emphasizes accountability, treatment and dignity for individuals with serious mental health challenges.

Judge Pokorny to be honored at April 10 retirement reception at historic county courthouse

A public reception honoring Kansas Seventh Judicial District Court Judge Sally Pokorny will be held at 3 p.m. April 10 in the historic courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St., in Lawrence.

Judge Pokorny is retiring after 17 years on the bench and nearly 50 years in the legal profession. Appointed in 2009 by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, she earned a reputation for integrity, fairness and a deep commitment to justice.

During her tenure, Judge Pokorny became the first judge in Kansas to establish a Behavioral Health Court. Working with county commissioners, county staff and community partners, she helped create a model that emphasizes accountability, treatment and dignity for individuals with serious mental health challenges. The program has served as a model for problem-solving courts across the state and has positively impacted lives.

Before joining the bench, Judge Pokorny spent more than 30 years practicing law in public service and private practice. Her experience ranged from serving as an assistant district attorney in Shawnee County to working in criminal and family law, child support enforcement, and serving as the first woman elected county attorney in Montgomery County. She also taught trial techniques at Washburn University School of Law and the University of Kansas School of Law.

Her leadership extended beyond the courtroom. She served on numerous Kansas Bar Association and Kansas Bar Foundation committees, was a past president of the Kansas Bar Foundation and the Douglas County Hugh Means Inn of Court, and she helped found the Lawrence Women Attorneys networking group.

Throughout her career, she received several honors recognizing her service, including the Kansas Bar Association Outstanding Service Award and the Kansas Women Attorneys Association Jennie Mitchell Kellogg Award.

Judge Pokorny expressed gratitude to Douglas County voters for retaining her four times and to colleagues who supported her appointment and service.

• Full news release

Sheriff's Office offers assistance with installing child safety seats

The Sheriff’s Office maintains two certified technicians to assist in installing child safety seats.

Car seats and booster seats provide protection for infants and children in a crash, and choosing the right type of seat and using it correctly are critical for providing the most safety for children in a vehicle. The recommendations:

4-7 years

Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer. Once a child outgrows the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it’s time to travel in a booster seat but still in the back seat.

8-12 years

Keep a child in a booster seat until he or she is big enough to fit in a seat belt properly. For a seat belt to fit properly, the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snugly across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face. A child should ride in the back seat because it’s safer there.

To connect with a child passenger safety technician, call the Sheriff’s Office at 785-841-0007.

Sheriff's Office offering C.R.A.S.E courses in May

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office this spring will offer a session of the C.R.A.S.E. (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events) course to community members.

The course includes a history of active-shooter events, a discussion of current trends and advice about what people can do to survive and expect from a law enforcement response to an active-shooter event.

Classes are scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 2, and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, May 11.

If you are interested in attending either session, please begin the registration process online: https://tr.ee/DGSOactiveshooter

The Douglas County Treasurer's office in Lawrence is at 2601 W. Sixth St.

Motor vehicle and tax services provided at Sixth Street location; online appointments available

In Lawrence, the Douglas County Treasurer's Office is now serving residents at 2601 W. Sixth St. for motor vehicle and property tax payments.

Want to save time? Residents can join the line virtually or schedule an appointment at dgcoks.gov/treasurer.

Payment options include online payment services as well as secure drop boxes outside both the Sixth Street office and historic courthouse at 1100 Massachusetts St. The Sixth Street drop box is on the west side of the building, and the courthouse drop box is on the south side of the building in the small parking lot.

The Treasurer’s Office closed its public-facing services inside the courthouse in February as part of an effort to consolidate operations and improve customer service.

The Treasurer's Office location at 2601 W. Sixth St. has a large waiting room and a greeter who will check to ensure customers have the correct paperwork needed for their transactions.

Percentage of spending rendered as cents on the dollar.

Where do my property taxes go? County offers new online tool that breaks down your tax dollar

Property taxes help fund many local services, including schools, public safety, roads, libraries and more. Each local government, including school districts, cities, the county, and special districts, sets its own mill levy each year to fund the next year’s budget.

Douglas County collects property taxes on behalf of all taxing entities and distributes the revenue based on each entity’s mill levy.

The county has created a new tool on the Budget and Finance webpage, where residents can select the city or township where they live to see an estimate of how their property tax dollars are divided among the local governments that serve their area.

Firefighters from multiple agencies respond to a large grassfire in March 2025 that caused an evacuation notice. The fire that was caused by an ember from an old, unattended campfire that spread to cover about 200 acres.

Fire chief reminds residents to burn responsibly to protect land, lives

Landowners typically burn their fields and brush piles — a practice commonly referred to as prescribed burning — in the spring. Prescribed fire is used to restore native grasslands, recycle nutrients, control woody plants and weeds, and improve certain wildlife habitat.

Prescribed burning is regulated by state and local authorities. These regulations provide a framework for everyone to follow and help ensure burns are conducted safely and with minimal impact on surrounding areas. 

In Douglas County, Emergency Management monitors daily the Rangeland Fire Danger Index and wind conditions to determine whether burning is authorized. The county’s burn hotline, 785-832-5394, is updated every morning by 8 a.m. and notifies residents if burning is allowed that day. If burning is authorized, landowners should log their burn at this number. This helps first responders in case assistance is needed.

According to fire officials, 95% of all wildfires result from human activity. Many of these fires could be prevented by taking proper safety precautions.

In 2022, Kansas fire departments responded to nearly 9,000 vegetation-related fires that burned more than 156,000 acres and damaged more than 40 buildings, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The fires also caused more than $5 million in property damage.

In 2025, Consolidated Fire District No. 1 responded to 82 grass, brush and wildland fire calls in Douglas County. This included a 200-acre wildfire sparked by an ember from an old, unattended campfire near Clinton Lake. So far this year, the fire department has responded to 53 such fires.

Fire Chief John Mathis of Consolidated Fire District No. 1 urges residents to be cautious when burning, discarding cigarettes or camping. “Everyone plays a valuable role in protecting property and lives by preventing fires,” he said.

For open burning regulations in Douglas County, visit: dgcoks.gov/openburning.