Deputy Drake Martin stopped to take a photo with a Douglas County family on Halloween 2024. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is offering its first Junior Deputy Academy in July at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

Sheriff's Office offering first Junior Deputy Academy; deadline to apply is June 30

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is proud to offer its first Junior Deputy Academy July 7-11 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds where elementary students will learn about law enforcement, safety training and leadership skills in an interactive setting guided by deputies, corrections officers and civilian employees.

The academy is open to all Douglas County students entering third, fourth and fifth grades. Admission is free, and transportation options are available for families who need it.

“We are excited to offer this Junior Academy as a way for DGSO to connect with more students in Douglas County so they can learn more and have positive experiences with those who work in law enforcement in our community,” Undersheriff Stacy Simmons said. “We are looking to get students from all over the county, especially Lecompton, Eudora and Baldwin City, and we are hopeful this will interest students who don’t often get to attend summer programs or camps, especially those who might want to learn more about law enforcement. Cost and transportation will not be a barrier.”

A grant from the Douglas County Community Foundation covers all costs. Contact Morgan Haney, Community Outreach and Support Advocate, mhaney@dgso.org, to receive the application. Applications will be accepted through June 30. Anyone with further questions can also call the Sheriff’s Office at 785-841-0007.

Cardinal Housing Network Inc. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 28 to mark the opening of its first group home at 1046 New Hampshire St. for women in recovery in Douglas County. Pictured, from left, are Board Member Hattie Moore, County Commissioner Karen Willey, Board President Marlys Shulda, Founder and Program Director Hannah Bolton, Assistant County Administrator Jill Jolicoeur, and County Commissioners Shannon Reid and Gene Dorsey.

Community leaders celebrate opening of new supportive housing for women in recovery

About 50 community members gathered on May 28 to celebrate Cardinal Housing Network Inc., a new nonprofit dedicated to providing safe, supportive housing for women in recovery in Douglas County. The organization offers educational programming, access to in-home and community-based recovery groups, and supplemental care coordination — creating a vital resource for women on their healing journey.

Founded and led by program director Hannah Bolton, Cardinal Housing Network is a tribute to her late brother, Sam, who lost his battle with substance use disorder in January 2021 at the age of 31. His legacy lives on through the organization, which is partially funded by the life insurance policy he left behind, along with contributions from the Douglas County behavioral health sales tax and additional financial support.

Cardinal Housing Network marked the opening of its first home, located at 1046 New Hampshire St., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The residence will provide housing for up to 10 single women, advancing goals outlined in A Place for Everyone, the community’s strategic plan to end chronic homelessness.

Bolton plans to expand Cardinal Housing Network with two additional group homes on Ohio Street later this year. These residences will serve women in recovery and their children, further strengthening the organization’s commitment to holistic care and long-term stability.

“This project demonstrates the progress our community and its partners are making to ensure that women in our community have equitable access to the recovery supports they need to survive and thrive,” said Assistant County Administrator Jill Jolicoeur.

For more information, visit Cardinal Housing Network.

• The Lawrence Times article
• The Lawrence-Journal World article

New dashboard provides real-time data on homelessness in Douglas County

Douglas County and the City of Lawrence, in partnership with the Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition, have launched a public dashboard displaying data on homelessness in Douglas County. The tool, updated monthly, offers real-time insights for those working on the community’s five-year strategic plan to end chronic homelessness, A Place for Everyone. The dashboard is available at dgcoks.gov/aplaceforeveryone.

“Douglas County has been a Built for Zero community since March 2020, focused on ending chronic homelessness,” Assistant County Administrator Jill Jolicoeur said. “A foundational part of this work is having quality data, so we know who is experiencing homelessness in real time.”

The dashboard tracks individuals enrolled in homelessness services within the past 90 days, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, safe haven and street outreach. However, it may not capture all individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly those not engaging with service providers.

• News release

Douglas County Sustainability Impact Analyst Jamie Hofling, left, and Ryan Kuhn celebrate the installation of a new small-scale solar system at their home in Douglas County. Hofling's research led to the creation of an online resource designed to make energy upgrades more accessible for the community.

Sustainability Offices launches Energy Hub

Looking to cut energy costs in your home, business or nonprofit building? Simple steps — like sealing air leaks, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or installing solar panels — can make a big difference. To help you explore these options and take advantage of financial incentives, the Sustainability Office has launched a new online resource: the Energy Hub.

The Energy Hub is designed to guide you through the process of making energy upgrades. While there's no one-size-fits-all solution, the hub connects you to programs that can help identify your best opportunities and lower your upgrade costs. Whether you're just starting with weatherization, searching for funding for efficiency improvements, or exploring solar energy options, the hub offers tools to move your project forward.

The site features user-friendly filters so you can search for incentives and programs that match your needs.

The Energy Hub also supports a central goal of Adapt Douglas County, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for climate change. By conserving energy and investing in clean energy solutions, our community can save money and create a more sustainable future.

Kanwaka Township Superintendent Jeff Skinner, center, was recognized on May 13 during the Kanwaka Township meeting for his extraordinary response during a 200-acre grass fire on March 14. Pictured, from left, are: Clerk Jeanne Waisner, Consolidated Fire District No. 1 Interim Fire Chief John Mathis, Skinner, Trustee David Wulfkuhle and Treasurer Martin Johnston.

Kanwaka Township Road Superintendent honored for heroic efforts in containing grass fire

Kanwaka Township Road Superintendent Jeff Skinner was recognized for his swift, decisive actions in helping to extinguish and contain a large grass fire on March 14 amid near hurricane-force winds.

Douglas County Consolidated Fire District No. 1 presented Skinner with a plaque at the beginning of the Kanwaka Township Board meeting on May 13, commending his proactive response.

“Mr. Skinner made significant contributions during that very dangerous fire,” Interim Fire Chief John Mathis said. “His assistance in heavy equipment helped directly in final containment, and his many hours throughout the day contributed to the protection of homes and lives.”

• Read more
• Lawrence Journal-World article

Board of County Commissioners

Douglas County Commission meetings are at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the historic County Courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St., on the second floor in the Commission meeting room. Meetings are also available on Zoom. Commissioners will not have a meeting on Wednesday, June 4.

Commissioners took the following action on regular business agenda items in May. They unanimously approved:

• a request to rezone about 27 acres at 292 N. 2100 Road, west of Lecompton, from agricultural to transitional agricultural district. 
• a subgrant agreement with International City/County Management Association for the Economic Mobility and Opportunity Peer Learning Cohort and Grant Program.
• a resolution authorizing and directing the issuance, sale and delivery of general obligation sales tax improvement bonds to help fund the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center addition and renovation project as well as the new Public Safety Building.
• a $72,290 budget increase for parking lot maintenance, bringing the county’s total allocation to $554,222. This adjustment aims to cover unexpected costs related to the Douglas County Fairgrounds project. Additionally, the commissioners granted the County Administrator authority to approve up to 10% of the total project cost to address any further issues.
• a one-year site plan extension for Veritas Christian School, 960 E. 1296 Road.

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

Work sessions

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

• June 11 - Budget preview.
• June 18 - Public Works pavement maintenance program.

Douglas County named to peer learning cohort, set to receive $20,000 grant to address poverty

Douglas County has been selected as one of 15 local governments nationwide to participate in the International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) 2025 Economic Mobility and Opportunity Peer Learning Cohort and Mini Grant Program. This initiative aims to equip local decision-makers with resources to identify and advance strategies that enhance economic mobility for residents in their communities.

In addition to professional development and networking opportunities, Douglas County will receive a $20,000 grant to advance a local assessment, planning process or program aimed at improving residents’ financial stability.

County leaders are working to advance goals outlined in the Anti-Poverty section of the Community Health Improvement Plan, particularly addressing economic challenges faced by single, female-headed households. Assistant County Administrator Jill Jolicoeur said the program could help guide efforts toward implementing a pilot guaranteed income initiative.

"This program gives us an incredible opportunity to learn from other communities and apply innovative strategies that can directly improve economic stability for those who need it most. We’re eager to take these lessons and turn them into actionable change for Douglas County,” Jolicoeur said.

• News release

Commission Vice Chair Shannon Reid speaks during a recognition ceremony on May 9 at the Kansas State Preservation conference in Topeka.

Commission Chambers renovation project receives award from Kansas Preservation Alliance

On May 9, the Kansas Preservation Alliance presented Douglas County with a Merit Award for the renovation of the commission meeting room in the historic Courthouse in downtown Lawrence. The design and construction team for the project was Treanor architects and B.A. Green Construction.

Douglas County Commissioners Erica Anderson, Shannon Reid and Karen Willey, Douglas County Capital Projects Coordinator Jay Zimmerschied, and Joy Coleman and James Bibens, of Treanor architects, attended the recognition ceremony at the Kansas State Preservation conference in Topeka.

• Explore the Project

Celebrating Heritage: Five community events awarded grant funding

Five community events will receive a total of $24,000 in funding from the Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council’s new Heritage Events and Celebration Fund program. 

The recipients and award amounts are:

• The St. John Mexican Fiesta, $5,667.
• We Remember: Lawrence Annual Día de Muertos Celebration, $5,667.
• Juneteenth Celebration 2025, $5,666.
• Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation Annual Blintz Brunch, $3,000.
• Vinland Fair, $4,000.

Approved by the Board of County Commissioners in the 2025 budget, the Heritage Events and Celebrations Fund is a new Douglas County program administered by the Heritage Conservation Council to support annual events that celebrate our county’s living heritage.

Master Deputy Austin Abram talks about the K-9 unit and searches for illegal substances on May 1 during the Sheriff's Office Citizen's Academy.

Congrats! 15 residents complete Citizen's Academy

Members of the 2025 Sheriff’s Office Citizen’s Academy celebrated their graduation on May 22. The 15 graduates spent six weeks learning more about many different aspects of the work that deputies, corrections officers and civilian employees do.

"What struck me was how inquisitive this class was - asking difficult questions but also being receptive and going in depth with our answers to not just hear the answer but find out the why," Sheriff Jay Armbrister said. "That's the basis of the entire Citizen's Academy. To bring folks in and show them what we do, how we do it and why we do it."

Look for applications for the next academy in early 2026.

• View video

Deputy Colton Bonner demonstrates procedures for field sobriety tests on a DUI stop during the Sheriff's Office Citizen's Academy in early May.

Sheriff's Lake Patrol bolsters safety at Clinton Lake

As summer approaches, the Sheriff’s Office Lake Patrol is back at Clinton Lake, continuing the initiative that began in 2024. The DGSO boat enhances the Sheriff’s Office’s presence on the water, allowing officers to assist boaters and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone.

"Officer presence makes a big difference, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive," Capt. Josh Kellerman said. "We're here to help ensure everyone is having a great time. Boating is a family-centered activity, and it's important for us to be here to support the safety of all boaters."

• View video

A view of construction on the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center addition, which is just south of the existing building at 111 E. Eleventh St.

Update on county construction projects

Douglas County is making strides in multiple construction and renovation projects in downtown Lawrence and near the jail. Here’s a progress report from Douglas County Capital Projects Coordinator Jay Zimmerschied:

Judicial and Law Enforcement Center addition

Construction is moving forward smoothly with contractors actively working on footings and foundations. Earlier this month, a project crane was brought in and set up in preparation for constructing elevator shafts. The addition remains on schedule with an anticipated completion in July 2026. Once finished, staff will transition into the new space, and renovations will then begin on the existing building.

Historic Courthouse

The foundation-and-waterproofing project is nearing completion. Before wrapping up, the contractor will replace sidewalk sections removed during construction.

Meanwhile, extensive above-grade masonry work is progressing well. Contractors are cleaning, repairing, and replacing mortar and stone on the courthouse’s exterior. If the weather cooperates, the project should be completed by August.

Public Safety Building

Construction is underway on the footings and foundation of the new building. The project is expected to be finished by summer 2026. Upon completion, the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Communications (911), and Emergency Management will relocate to the new building from the JLEC.

We appreciate the community’s patience and support as we work to enhance our facilities, ensuring their longevity and safety for both employees and the public.

A view of the large crane at the site of the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center addition project.

A view of the construction underway on the new Public Safety Building near the jail.

Crews work on the stone masonry on the exterior of the Courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St.

Douglas County government offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19, in observation of Juneteenth.

Judicial and Law Enforcement Center:

111 East 11th Street

Lawrence, KS 66044