Former County Commissioner Dies in Motorcycle Crash

Former Douglas County Commissioner Joseph Laurance, 71, died Monday on Highway 138 near milepost 33. The preliminary investigation revealed a 54-year-old driver from Wisconsin attempted to turn left into a roadside pull out and was struck by Laurance who was traveling in the same direction on a motorcycle. Laurance was pronounced deceased and the other driver was uninjured. "We were profoundly saddened to hear the news of the passing of Joe Laurance," Commissioner Tim Freeman said. "He was a colorful character who was passionate about Douglas County, where he was proud to call home. Joe was a friend, and he will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends." Laurance served as a county commissioner from January 2007 to December 2014. This post will be updated as more information becomes available.