Douglas County Data Analyst Matt Cravens provided a presentation about racial disparities in the local criminal justice system during the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s June 9 meeting, which was held using Zoom.
Cravens was hired in December 2019 to help support the work of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC). To meet the group’s challenges, Cravens collected and analyzed data on bookings and length of stay in the Douglas County Correctional Facility.
The recent murder of George Floyd has sent shockwaves through our nation. Protestors flood the streets and remind us all that the fight for racial justice in America is still ongoing. Just last month, hundreds of our community members marched from City Hall to the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center. They chanted, shouted, and carried signs, demonstrating their hunger for lasting societal change.
Douglas County buildings are open to the public. The public should wear a face covering when inside buildings and maintain six feet of distance between employees and others in the building. Departments and elected officials may have additional screening tools for clients and visitors, depending on the services provided.
Lone Star Lake campgrounds, restrooms and the swimming beach are open. Visitors should practice good hygiene and social distancing.
Earlier this week we witnessed another horrific act of racism. Believing that our Board of Douglas County Commissioners meeting on Wednesday night (June 3) would be an appropriate place to say a few words addressing this tragedy, I had planned to speak then. A few people for whom I have tremendous respect encouraged me not to wait, but to speak up now. To them, thank you. Your encouragement helps me to see that my privilege gives me the choice to wait. Waiting is something not afforded to the vulnerable, including those who live in fear due to the color of their skin.
Route 1055 (East 1500 Road) — from Route 458 (North 1000 Road) to North 1175 Road — will be closed to through traffic beginning Monday, June 15, weather permitting, for construction of a road rehabilitation project. The project includes pavement rehabilitation and safety improvements including paved shoulders, flatter roadside slopes, and replacement of narrow culverts. Public Works anticipates construction will be completed by Thanksgiving 2020, weather permitting.
Douglas County is soliciting formal proposals from qualified individuals to complete structural assessments of five or six barns that have been identified as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
The consultant will check the adequacy, structural integrity and soundness of structures and their components and will prioritize recommended repairs. Completion of the assessments will aid the barn owners in preservation efforts and assist Douglas County in preserving the rural character of the county that reflects its natural and cultural history.
Douglas County Government’s offices will be closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Dispatch Center, and Criminal Justice Services will be operating. If you have an emergency, please call 911. If you have a non-emergency, call 785-843–0250
Douglas County’s Unified Command structure that has been responsible for leading the comprehensive COVID-19 pandemic response since March will transition next week to an expanded COVID-19 Recovery Coordination Team to help manage the community’s long-term recovery.
The COVID-19 pandemic required the closure of Douglas County District Court earlier this spring. All traffic cases scheduled before June 1, 2020 on the Traffic Docket, held every Friday morning in the ProTem Division, were continued. The Court has since mailed notices and new dates to all of the impacted individuals. When District Court reopens in June, individuals with traffic cases will likely face significant wait times during the Traffic Docket.
Using guidance from the Kansas Supreme Court and public health agencies, Chief Judge McCabria has issued several administrative orders since March 13 that will maintain critical functions of Douglas County District Court during increased concern over spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Courthouse:
1100 Massachusetts Street
Lawrence, KS 66044
Judicial and Law Enforcement Center:
111 East 11th Street
Lawrence, KS 66044