Illegal dump set for $10,000 cleanup

The home of All Seasons Tree Service is targeted for a state-ordered cleanup.

And officials in Douglas County and Wakarusa Township can’t wait.

“The residents on East 15th Street are really concerned about this,” said Norm Leary, township treasurer. “It’s horrendous.”

The two-acre site east of Lawrence — at 1706 N. 1500 Road, along the north side of what would be the extension of 15th Street about a mile east of town — will be cleared of tree branches, junk cars, tires and other demolition-related debris as part of a Kansas Department of Health and Environment program.

County commissioners approved the project Wednesday night. The project’s work plan envisions cleanup under the supervision of sheriff’s deputies.

The project will be financed with up to $7,500 in state money, plus at least $2,500 of in-kind county resources. Officials intend to seek reimbursement for the cleanup costs from Kimm Cline, who owns the property, and Don M. Steele, caretaker of the business.

County approves $45.6 million budget

Taxes are going up. Services aren’t.

That’s the bottom line of Douglas County’s $45.6 million operating budget, approved Wednesday night by county commissioners.

The unanimous decision largely was a formality, after commissioners trimmed programs earlier in the summer to come up with a budget that essentially holds the line on government services while calling for a 7.3 percent boost in the county’s property tax rate.