Douglas County, Kansas Government

06/02/2026

On this day in 1856, anti-slavery forces led by John Brown ambushed a proslavery militia led by Henry Clay Pate along an old Santa Fe Trail campsite known as Black Jack. The three-hour conflict, later called the Battle of Black Jack, is said to be the first pitched battle between Free-State and proslavery combatants in Kansas. The site of the battle is now a public park and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park is jointly owned and operated by Douglas County and Baldwin City. The park is open daily to the public from dawn to dusk and offers opportunities to explore and learn more about Douglas County’s rich history. The park includes the historic Robert Hall Pearson farmhouse, nature trails, Captain’s Creek, restored prairie, maple trees and picnic areas.

For more information : https://www.dgcoks.gov/locations/county-parks/black-jack-battlefield-and-nature-park

Baldwin City, KS - Municipal Government

06/02/2026

The Board of County Commissioners will meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, in the historic courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St., for a business meeting.

The regular agenda includes a presentation about the Peer Fellows program in Douglas County, the nonprofit ALIVE Inc., and startup efforts to launch an Anchor Pointe Clubhouse, an evidence-based psychosocial rehabilitation approach for adults with serious mental illness.

🔗 Meeting info: https://www.dgcoks.gov/county-commission

06/02/2026

The Board of County Commissioners will have a work session at 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, in the historic courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St. They will discuss the county’s Flexible Housing Pool program, which provides rent and utility assistance, case management and other supportive services for individuals who have a history of being chronically homeless. The work session is also available by Zoom. No action will be taken.

🔗 Meeting info: https://www.dgcoks.gov/county-commission

06/01/2026

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for its Junior Deputy Academy! It is open to Douglas County students entering third, fourth and fifth grades.

DGSO is proud to announce return of the Junior Deputy Academy from July 13-17.

Elementary students in a hands-on environment will learn about law enforcement, safety training and leadership skills from 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.

“After a successful and fun first year, we are are excited for this Junior Academy to return," Undersheriff Stacy Simmons said. "It has become an important way for our agency to connect with more students in Douglas County so they can learn more and have positive experiences with those who work in law enforcement."

The academy is a five-day program that will take place at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.
Students will be sworn in as junior deputies and experience activities such as the DGSO Honor Guard, dispatch, investigations, patrol, safety demonstrations about fire, water, technology and gun-lock education as well as field training exercises.

Contact Morgan Haney, Community Outreach and Support Advocate, [email protected], to receive the application, which will be accepted through June 30.

To make sure more kids get the chance to participate, this year’s Junior Deputy Academy is open only to first‑time participants. Thanks for helping us spread the opportunity.

06/01/2026

Special thanks to Colin and Rose for sharing your experiences in Douglas County Veterans Treatment Court. The court is seeking volunteer mentors.
🔗 Learn more: https://www.dgcoks.gov/veterans-treatment-court

Check out this KCTV5 News Kansas City story: https://www.facebook.com/reel/4467811676815666
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05/28/2026

The May edition of our newsletter is now available! This issue highlights a community initiative to install 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline signs in local parks and recreational areas. You’ll also find photos and a construction update on the JLEC addition and the Public Safety Building, information about road and bridge projects, news from the Elections Office, and more.

➡️ Read it here: dgcoks.gov/newsletter/may26

Douglas County, KS- Emergency Management Douglas County, KS Emergency Communications- 911 Senior Resource Center - SRC Douglas County Sheriff's Office Engage Douglas County

05/28/2026

This week our Buildings, Maintenance and Grounds Department team arranged for this magnolia tree to be transplanted to protect it ahead of a parking lot improvement project near the historic courthouse.

The small lot on the south side of the courthouse is scheduled to close this summer for reconstruction to add more parking spaces.

We’re rooting for the magnolia to thrive in its new spot. 🌳

05/28/2026

Did you know? You can sign up for regular updates about Douglas County voting and elections through the Ballot Box blog! Subscribe here: https://www.dgcoks.gov/subscribe

The Elections Office recently reminded residents that Monday, June 1, is the deadline to change party affiliation. By law, party affiliation is locked from June 1 to Sept. 1 of even-numbered years. Unaffiliated voters are not affected by this deadline and may choose to affiliate during the primary.

🔗 https://dgcoks.gov/elections

05/28/2026

Thank you Douglas County, Kansas Government for recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

This support sends a strong message that no one is alone and seeking help is a sign of strength. Our shared community commitment reflects the importance of prevention, early intervention, crisis care, and recovery. We are so grateful to serve a community that supports strengthening our systems of care. 💙

05/28/2026

During Wednesday’s meeting, Commissioners proclaimed May as Community Action Month and Mental Health Month. They unanimously approved authorizing the County Administrator’s office to proceed with a proposed Youth Apprenticeship Challenge Grant in partnership with the Peaslee Tech.

They also unanimously voted to defer implementation of the Every Day Counts truancy program and the release of the truancy fund balance of $87,500 from the commission budget to Criminal Justice Services and to bring the item back when they have a five-member board present. Commissioner Willey was absent from the meeting.

➡️ To view the meeting: https://youtu.be/O9ttpITVs-A?si=mUuKGoRft5l67wd_