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April 2008

No City Council Meeting April 29
Released 4/28/08

The Olathe City Council will not meet Tuesday, April 29 because it is the fifth Tuesday of the month. The Olathe City Council meets in regular session at 7 p.m. the first and second Tuesdays of the month and in study session the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. The next meeting will be Tuesday, May 6.

For more information about the Olathe City Council, including meeting agendas, visit http://www.olatheks.org/.

 



Cultural Learning Links Series Concludes with Asian American Focus

Released 4/28/08

A multicultural group of panelists, representing the Asian American community, will come together to dispel myths, discuss multiculturalism, and share personal stories and experiences at the last panel discussion of the 2007 - 2008 Cultural Learning Links series.

"Celebrating Diversity and Honoring Unity" is the theme of the series, which began in September 2007 with a discussion about multiculturalism.

The Asian American panel discussion, free and open to the public, will meet from 1 - 3 p.m. May 22 at MidAmerica Nazarene University's Bell Cultural Events Center, 2030 E. College Way, Olathe.

The Cultural Learning Links panelists, listed below, will each answer different questions about diversity and culture and then discuss their answers with each other. The audience will have an opportunity to write questions on note cards for the moderator to ask the panelists.

The panelists:

  • Saycocie Phouvieng X of Laos
  • Di Le - Olathe North High School student of Vietnamese descent
  • Elizabeth Fosberg - Olathe East High School student of Korean American descent
  • So Choi - Blue Valley High School teacher of Korean American descent
  • Samara Nazir - Mdivani Law Firm law clerk from Pakistan
  • Jacqueline Shao - Chinese School principal of Chinese descent

The event moderator will be Paulette Markel, Managing Partner, Imua Associates LLC.

MidAmerica Nazarene University President Edwin H. Robinson, Ph.D., will welcome panelists and the audience to the discussion.

The event is sponsored by the City of Olathe, Americana Jubilee, MidAmerica Nazarene University, Olathe Public Library, and Ken Hinson's KHR radio.com.

The meeting room is accessible. For additional accommodations or an interpreter, please call at least one week in advance of the meeting.

For more information about Cultural Learning Links, contact the Office of Human Relations at (913) 971-6490 or go to http://www.olatheks.org/.



Free Concerts in the Park Start May 30

Released 4/28/08

The City of Olathe annual concerts in the park series will kick off May 30 and feature six dates and a variety of performers. Families of all ages are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to relax and unwind. The concerts are free, however refreshments will be available for purchase.

All concerts, except for the June 7 concert, begin at 7 p.m. Friday nights at Frontier Park, 15501 Indian Creek Parkway. The June 7 concert begins at 4 p.m. at the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm, 1200 Kansas City Rd., as part of the City's annual Americana Jubilee celebration.

  • May 30; Rodney Crowell, classic country and Americana; with special guest The Nace Brothers and The Cate Brothers, rock and soul
  • June 7, 4 p.m., at the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm; Chubby Carrier, Zydeco/Cajun
  • June 20; Delbert McClinton, blues rock n' roll; with Michael Ballew, country and Floyd Domino, country/swing
  • June 27; The Elders, Celtic with rock and country twist; and The Wilders, old-time country
  • July 11; Sam Bush, blue grass, new grass; and Chris Hillman, country-rock
  • July 25; Liverpool, Beatles tribute band

For more information, call 913-971-6263 or visit http://www.olatheks.org/ - select the Parks and Recreation Department. If a sign language interpreter is needed, please call 913-971-6651 at least 72 hours in advance of the concert.

The concert series is sponsored by Farmers Insurance Group and other area businesses.



"Landfilled" Community Discussion on Recycling: Southern Johnson County Citizens Invited to Give Feedback that will Develop Better Programs

Released 4/28/08

One KC Voice, a regional community engagement program housed at the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), will host a community discussion in Olathe, Kan., as part of its "Landfilled" conversation series on recycling and landfill capacity. The event will take place from 6-7:30 p.m., Monday, May 12, at the Municipal Services Center, 1385 S. Robinson Dr. The input received from citizens will help the MARC Solid Waste Management District design better programs, inform elected officials, and develop a long-term strategy for responsible regional waste management.

One KC Voice is hosting a total of 31 "Landfilled" discussions across the region. The series officially started in February and will end in May.

Twenty-five of those events are supported by a grant from the MARC Solid Waste Management District. The district covers Cass, Jackson, Clay, Ray and Platte counties in Missouri; several of the events are also being held in Kansas.

The remaining six discussions are supported by funding from the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kan. The discussions in Wyandotte County will help the Solid Waste Management Committee develop new and current waste-reduction programs.

One KC Voice schedules engagements through a network of community organizations in Greater Kansas City. For more information, visit http://www.onekcvoice.org/ or call 816/474-4240.



Olathe Volunteer Honored for Service to Fire Department

Released 4/21/08

The Volunteer Center of Johnson County will recognize Olathe Fire Department volunteer Vicki Gaughan Monday, April 28. Gaughan, an Olathe South senior, volunteers hundreds of hours to the Fire Department's Community Emergency Response Team and Emergency Management programs.

On behalf of the Volunteer Center of Johnson County, Congressman Dennis Moore will present Gaughan with a Movers & Shakers award at an event at 5 p.m. Monday, April 28 at Metcalf South Mall. Other outstanding youth will also be recognized and the names of all award recipients will appear in the Congressional Record in Washington, D.C.

"Vicki Gaughan has been an outstanding volunteer with Olathe Emergency Management since she went through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program when she was 13," said Olathe Emergency Management Coordinator Rita Hoffman. "She has donated hundreds of hours in assisting with preparations for numerous classes and public relations events as well as helping with disaster scenarios in a variety of capacities. She is truly an amazing and dedicated young lady."

 

Individuals and Entities Honored at Annual Community Awards Program April 17
Released 4/21/08

The City of Olathe and the Olathe Human Relations Commission recognized individuals and entities for meritorious service in the pursuit of cultural diversity and advocacy of human rights which benefit Olathe citizens at the Fifth Annual Community Awards Program on April 17. "Diversity Makes the Difference" was the theme of the event.

City of Olathe Mayor Michael Copeland spoke about the significance of the awards and the honorees stating that "It is good that we pause to share this special time of unity and recognition for those who have truly embraced our diversity and made the City of Olathe a better place for everyone." "You have made me proud to serve as your mayor, and you are also inspiring many others to achieve great things."

Mayor Copeland also introduced the program's guest speaker Chairman Annabeth Surbaugh of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners.

Individuals living and working in the city of Olathe or living and working elsewhere who have contributed to the promotion of human rights to the benefit of the citizens of Olathe received awards at the event in the following categories:

  • Olathe Police Department Lt. LaVern K. Fields, Public Employee
  • Grace United Methodist Church , Private Business
  • Salvation Army Thrift Store, Private Business
  • Edwin H. Robinson, Ph.D., Public or Private Education
  • Camille Douglas, Youth (19 and under)
  • Lois Waters, Volunteer/Civic Involvement)
  • Margaret & Jerry Edison, Volunteer/Civic Involvement

Also at the ceremony, the Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board (PDAB) recognized the following Accessible Community Award recipients:

  • Johnson County Catch-A-Ride
  • Kansas Education Foundation

City of Olathe Office of Human Relations presented awards to the following Fair Housing Leadership Award recipients:

  • Colonial Church of Prairie Village
  • Johnson County Women's Prayer Ministries
  • Olathe Covenant Church
  • Security Savings Bank
  • Hillcrest Christian Church
  • Overland Park Christian Church
  • Olathe Bible Church

The Fair Housing Leadership Awards are given in recognition of significant contributions that support the spirit of Fair Housing laws in the City of Olathe and Johnson County, Kansas. The above entities make up the Salvation Army Room Sponsors.

For more information about the awards programs, call the City of Olathe Office of Human Relations at (913) 971-6490.

 

Kansas Department of Transportation News Release

Construction to Begin on I-35 & Lone Elm Road Interchange Project in Johnson County
Released 4/21/08

Weather permitting, on Monday, April 28, construction will begin on a new interchange located at I-35 and Lone Elm Road in Johnson County. The I-35 and Lone Elm Road interchange project, a cooperative project between the Kansas Department of Transportation and the City of Olathe, includes the construction of a new folded, or half diamond, interchange at 159th Street/Lone Elm Road and I-35 in Olathe.

Advance message boards will alert drivers to the Lone Elm Road closure. All northbound and southbound lanes of Lone Elm Road will be closed from 151st Street to 167th Street throughout the duration of the project. A marked detour will be provided for traffic throughout the entire project. Access to Lone Elm Road will be maintained for local businesses and property owners. There will also be intermittent lane closures on I-35 throughout the duration of the project.

Updated daily lane and ramp closure information for this project can be viewed online at: www.ksdot.org/kcmetro/laneclose.asp. Drivers should expect minor delays and are advised to use alternate routes, if possible.

APAC-Kansas Inc. is the primary contractor on this two-year, $43 million construction project. The scheduled completion date for the entire project is mid-summer 2010.

The Kansas Department of Transportation urges all motorists to be alert, obey the warning signs, and "Give ‘Em a Brake!" when approaching and driving through the project work zone. For questions or additional information, please contact Kimberly Qualls, Northeast Kansas Public Affairs Manager, at (785) 296-3881 or Ruben Noguera, Field Engineering Administrator, at (913) 764-4525.

 

Farmers' Market Opens Next Month
Released 4/21/08
Residents will soon be able to purchase fresh produce, flowers, herbs and baked goods at Olathe's Farmers' Market. The Farmers' Market will open at 7 a.m. on Saturdays from May 3 through October 11. The market, located at the corner of Poplar and Kansas Ave. - just one block north of Santa Fe, remains open until products are sold.

Beginning at 3 p.m. June 4 through Sept. 24, the market will be open on Wednesdays.

For more information, contact the Olathe Parks and Recreation Department at (913) 971-6263.

 

Easy Options for Swimming at Olathe Facilities
Released 4/21/08

Now is a good time to consider purchasing an Individual Season Swim Pass or Family Season Swim Pass to enjoy great water fun at the City's swimming pools this spring and summer.

The City's swimming pools will officially open Saturday, May 24. The City of Olathe Swimming facilities: Black Bob Park Pool, 14570 W. 151 St.; Frontier Pool, 15909 W. 127 St.; Mill Creek Park Pool, 320 E. Poplar; and Oregon Trail Pool, 1800 W. Dennis

The swimming passes are great, affordable, family entertainment. The cost of a Family Season Pass for residents: $100 plus identification cards. A family season pass includes up to six family members and there is an additional $13 for each additional person listed on the membership.

The cost of an Individual Pass for residents: $60 plus identification card.

There is a $10 discount off of Family Passes and a $5 discount off of Individual Passes when purchased between now and April 30, 2008.

Other admission options for Olathe pools are as follows:

Discount Coupon Booklets can be purchased for $72 for individuals ages three to 61. Each booklet contains 20 tickets for one admission to any of the City of Olathe's swimming facilities.

General Admission for residents is free for children ages two and younger; $4.50 for ages three to 61; and $3 for ages 62 and older.

Worried about getting to the Recreation Office by 5 p.m. Monday through Fridays to register for swim classes, take photos for swim ID cards, or purchase passes. For your convenience, the City of Olathe Recreation division will be open until 6 p.m. on the following dates:

  • Thursday, April 24
  • Tuesday, April 29
  • Tuesday, May 20
  • Thursday, May 22

The office will be open from 9 a.m. to noon on the following Saturdays

  • April 26
  • May 17

For program details and registration information about City of Olathe programs, refer to the ActiveLife recreation catalog, call the Olathe Parks and Recreation Office at (913) 971-6263 or visit www.olatheks.org/ActiveLife.

Registration is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week via the City website, telephone, fax or mail and in person at the Parks and Recreation Office, 200 W. Santa Fe, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Go to www.olatheks.org/ParksRec to learn more about the Parks & Recreation Dept.



Olathe to Host Congress of Neighborhoods Forum April 24
Released 4/14/08

The City of Olathe's Neighborhood Services Division will host a Congress of Neighborhoods Spring Forum to further neighborhood efforts by providing an opportunity for open dialogue between neighborhood leaders and city staff about resources and programs available to enhance the quality and livability of Olathe's neighborhoods.

The event will be from 6 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, at the Mahaffie Heritage Center, 1200 E. Kansas City Road, Olathe.

The evening will begin with a presentation on New Frontiers in Neighborhood Planning, which focuses on building an alliance between neighborhoods with similar conditions, strategies for targeted outreach to neighborhoods, including targeting areas in need of greater crime prevention, and building partnerships between neighborhoods in other Johnson County cities.

Roundtable discussions will begin at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will be able to attend four of six roundtable discussions. Each roundtable discussion will be approximately 20 minutes.

Roundtable topics are as follows: Neighborhood Outreach (Feedback from the presentation), Foreclosures, Environmental Issues, Increasing Participation in Your Group, Lifelong Communities Initiative, and Crime Prevention/Neighborhood Watch.

Invitations to the spring forum will be sent to neighborhood representatives that are registered with the City of Olathe's Neighborhood Services. If your neighborhood association or group is not registered, you may do so online at https://owa.olatheks.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.olatheks.org/ or call (913) 971-8817.

For more information and to learn about registering your neighborhood group, contact Senior Neighborhood Planner Emily Kukal at (913) 971-8969.


City to Host Fifth Development Forum April 23
Released 4/14/08

On Wednesday, April 23, the City of Olathe Development Services Department will host its fifth development forum to follow-up on previous forum discussions; provide updates on key City development-related initiatives; and to find out about topics of interest for future development forums.

The forum will be from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the Council Chamber of Olathe City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe.

Those involved in development in Olathe, such as developers, contractors, architects, engineers, and others are encouraged to attend.

The following are the development forum topics:

  • Changes to International Building Codes (IBC), including the Olathe City Council's action on adoption of 2006 IBC
  • Major Street Map update
  • Post construction stormwater management/stream corridor protection
  • Recent customer service improvements - Tips for how customers can expedite their projects and plans
  • Updating Olathe's development ordinances - Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) update project.
  • Comprehensive Plan update - Opportunity to help guide Olathe's future

The Development Forums are a joint initiative of the following City departments: Development Services, Public Works, Municipal Services, Fire, and Parks and Recreation.

For more information or to sign-up to attend, call Sharyn Mueller at (913) 971-8956 or send an e-mail to smueller@olatheks.org.

Civil War on the Border Returns for 12th Year
Released 4/14/08

Experience the 12th annual Civil War on the Border at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site on April 19 and 20.

All activities will be held at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop, 1200 Kansas City Road, and in the city's Stagecoach Park, just south of the historic site. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 19 and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 20.

A free shuttle will bring attendees to the event from public parking located at Olathe North High School. The event is free, but a suggested donation of $2 for adults and $1 for children will help pay for event costs. As the event draws near, visit https://owa.olatheks.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.olatheks/Mahaffie/About for an up-to-date detailed schedule.

Cavalry, artillery, and infantry units representing Union and Confederate forces will encamp throughout the weekend and recreate a battle at 3 p.m. on Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday in Stagecoach Park.

Scheduled to appear, a returning favorite, the United States Army's Fort Riley General's Mounted Color Guard will demonstrate cavalry tactics both days. Scheduled to appear is a Civil War Flag on loan from the Kansas State Historical Society. Clarina Nichols, portrayed by Diane Eickhoff, will share her story about being a single mother, farmer, editor, lay doctor, co founder of an integrated school, and Underground Railroad conductor in Kansas before and after statehood. Clarina Nichols appears courtesy of the Kansas Humanities Council.

There will be period music by the Gum Springs Serenaders, during the day and at the participants' Saturday evening Civil War dance, which the public can attend.

Among this year's new events:

  • George and Diane Bernheimer, members of the Lecompton Reenactors Association will present Thomas and Sarah Johnson. Thomas and Sarah Johnson will speak about their last night in Johnson County. It is January 2, 1865. The Civil War is in its fourth year. Join the Reverend Thomas Johnson and his wife Sarah at their home about two miles east of Westport and listen as they speak of the current day and recount their experiences as early residents of what was the Unorganized Missouri Territory when they arrived in 1830. They'll talk about their children, their work at the Shawnee Indian Mission School, which Thomas founded, and Thomas' involvement in the politics of the Kansas Territory on this their last evening together
  • Bill McFarland, author of "Keep the Flag to the Front-The Story of the Eighth Kansas Volunteer Infantry will present a book signing
  • The Heritage Center at Mahaffie will feature the new exhibit "I Knew It Was a Fine Country". This exhibit features the Mahaffie family, the Trails in Kansas, stagecoach travel, and features a case on the Border War.
  • Nineteenth Century Church Service at 10 a.m. on Sunday

Other activities include a Ladies Tea on Saturday at 1:30 p.m., 19th Century games, a variety of military and living history demonstrations, stagecoach rides, pony rides, and an old-time photo booth.

The event will also feature food vendors as well as sutlers selling 19th Century merchandise.

The event is sponsored by the City of Olathe, Comfort Suites of Olathe, The Olathe Daily News, The Kansas City Star, Johnson's County Gazette, Comcast, Olathe South Price Chopper, Mr. Goodcents on Kansas City Road, Tractor Supply Company, and Olathe Ford. A special thanks to the Knights of Columbus Council 1913 for their assistance with parking logistics.

The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site is operated by the City of Olathe. Open hours, stagecoach operations, living history activities, special events and programs vary seasonally. Access is limited in the winter months and the site is closed all major holidays.

Call (913) 971-5111 or visit or website for current times and dates.

United Way Recognizes City Employee for Volunteerism
Released 4/14/08

The United Way of Greater Kansas City recognized Erin Vader, City of Olathe Diversity Services Coordinator, with its first-ever Outstanding Resource Investment Award for her volunteer contributions to the United Way. The United Way presented Vader this award at its 2008 Community Celebration held Tuesday, April 8.

"I am honored to be recognized by such a wonderful organization," said Vader. "The United Way touches the lives of so many people and I am proud to be a part of it."

As part of the allocations process Vader has served as a chair of the United Way's Family and Neighborhood Issues Team for the past two years, assisted with other United Way initiatives and served on the City of Olathe's employee United Way Committee since 2004.

Olathe Accepting Applications for 2009 CDBG Funds

Released 4/14/08

The City of Olathe is now accepting applications for 2009 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Applications are due Thursday, May 15, 2008. The City of Olathe's CDBG program has funded housing rehabilitation programs, public services, public improvements and neighborhood revitalization projects that benefit low and moderate income persons or older neighborhoods since 1975.

The City is inviting applications from local social service agencies and community organizations that provide a service to Olathe citizens that meet one of the national CDBG objectives:

1. Benefit low and moderate income persons or neighborhoods.

2. Aids in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight.

3. Meets an urgent community need.

Federal funds have been invested in Olathe through the CDBG program in nearly every neighborhood in older parts of Olathe providing a wide variety of neighborhood revitalization activities including housing rehabilitation, streets, water mains, sewer lines, storm drainage improvements, sidewalks, curbs, parks, historic preservation and human services.

When requesting an application packet, please specify whether you would like a public service, housing or public improvement/neighborhood revitalization application.

For more information or to request an application packet, visit the City of Olathe Housing and Human Services Office located at 201 North Cherry Street, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.; e-mail a request to Carol Ramseyer at cramseyer@olatheks.org; or call 913-971-6260.

Public Hearing to be held May 6 for 2009 CDBG Program
Released 4/14/08

There will be a public hearing at 7 p.m. on May 6 in the Council Chamber of Olathe City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe, to obtain ideas and proposals on housing, public improvement, and community development needs and priorities for Olathe's 2009 HUD Community Development Block Grant applications. Comments on the past performance of the program will be encouraged at the hearing. All interested parties are invited to attend the hearing and express comments either orally or in writing.

For more information, call the Neighborhood and Human Services Department at (913) 971-6260.

Ella Mae Memorial Book Sale This Week

Released 4/14/08

Don't miss this huge used book sale sponsored by the Friends of the Olathe Public Library and held at the Center of Grace Gymnasium, 520 S. Harrison, Olathe. All materials are reasonably priced and sorted by categories. Choose from children's, fiction, non-fiction, mystery, large print, cookbooks, collectible books, science fiction, inspiration, reference, CDs, books on audio and CD, videos, DVDs and so much more.

The sale begins at 5 p.m., April 17 with the Friends Preview Sale. Only current OPL Friends members will be admitted this evening. Current OPL Friends will receive 20% off all purchases this evening only.

Memberships will be sold at the door. The sale is open to the public from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., April 18 and from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., April 19. The sale concludes with the "Five Bucks a Bag" Sale from 1 - 4 p.m., April 20.

Purchase a plastic bag at the door for $5 and fill with materials. Buy 2 bags, get 1 free. For more information, call Rita J. Patterson, 971-6879.


Ceremony to Celebrate Raised Railroad Tracks: Work Will Continue
Released 4/7/08

A ceremony to celebrate the completion of a significant portion of the railroad elevation project will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 11 at the Ridgeview crossing. The second and final set of railroad tracks was officially elevated and open to train traffic on Friday, March 28. Work will continue to complete the decorative towers at the Santa Fe crossing and to lower the roads at Park and Loula Streets. The project is expected to be complete later this year.

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts will attend the ceremony. Roberts was instrumental in securing Federal funding for this project.

Motorists can expect delays at the east railroad tracks on Ridgeview and Santa Fe as the railroad tracks are removed from these crossings. Weather permitting, work is expected Monday and Tuesday at the Santa Fe crossing and Wednesday and Thursday at the Ridgeview crossing. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction.

"Tree tags" Translate Woody Benefits into Real Dollars: Temporary Tags will Quantify Benefits of the Region's Trees
Released 4/7/08

How much is a single tree worth to a community? In some cases, more than $70,000, local experts say.

In honor of Arbor Day, "tree tags," price tags that quantify in dollars the benefits of trees, will temporarily adorn some of Greater Kansas City's trees. The majority of the 100 tags will be up by Friday, April 4. The remaining tags will be installed over the next several weeks as cities celebrate their Arbor Days. Missouri's Arbor Day is April 4, and Kansas' Arbor Day is April 25.

Despite their budgetary needs for maintenance, trees don't cost money - they save money. The dollar amounts attached to each tree are based on its estimated returns to the community, including reducing stormwater runoff, improving air quality, raising real estate values and more. The amounts were calculated by the unique life span, species and condition of each tree. Some of the heftier price tags include bur oaks in several locations across the region that will provide benefits worth well over $50,000 per tree. The majority of the values range from $1,000 to $30,000.

Coordinating partners of the effort include the Mid-America Regional Council, Heartland Tree Alliance, Kansas Forest Service, Missouri Department of Conservation and Arborist Bob Haines.

The tags will be installed in Kansas City, Mo.; Gladstone, Mo.; Liberty, Mo.; Overland Park, Kan.; Westwood, Kan.; Olathe, Kan.; Mission; Kan., and Wyandotte County, Kan. More information, along with a complete list of where the tags can be found, is available online at http://www.heartlandtreealliance.org/.

Free Gas Cap Testing at Saturday's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
Released 4/7/08

The City again will offer free gas cap testing at its Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection events. A properly fitting gas cap ensures proper pressure is maintained in the gas tank. A faulty gas cap can leak up to $35 of gas a year - harming the environment as well as budgets.

Testing will be available from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 12 at the City's Household Hazardous Waste collection facility, 1420 S. Robinson.

A properly fitting gas cap ensures proper pressure is maintained in the gas tank. A faulty gas cap is not necessarily noticeable and drivers may not be aware that their gas caps are faulty. Over time, the rubber gasket, or seal, inside a gas cap can wear out which can allow gas to evaporate from the gas tank, reducing the vehicle's fuel efficiency. However, even new vehicles can have faulty gas caps.

Gasoline fumes are a major contributor to the formation of ground-level ozone, one of Kansas City's biggest air pollutants. During warmer months, the pollutant ground-level ozone can reach concentrations that are unhealthy for everyone, but especially people with respiratory illnesses.

Ground-level ozone forms when emissions from motor vehicles, lawn mowers, power plants, and industry react with heat and sunlight. Over half of all ozone pollution is formed as a result of everyday people doing everyday things like driving or mowing their yards.
For more information, please call the Olathe Municipal Services Center at (913) 971-9311.

Spots Still Available for Scouting Open House
Released 4/7/08

The City of Olathe will host an Open House for Scouting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10. The session will be held in the City Council Chamber of Olathe City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe.

The Open House for Scouting offers Olathe Boy and Cub Scouts an opportunity to learn about local government and the many aspects of the City, including Olathe's form of government, the role of the Mayor and other City officials, how City departments operate, and good citizenship. Helpful handouts will be available for all Scouts who attend.

Contact Karen Hooven, assistant to the Mayor, at (913) 971-8941 or khooven@olatheks.org to make reservations to attend. Space is limited for this event.

City of Olathe to Host Annual Community Awards Program on April 17
Released 4/7/08

The City of Olathe and the Olathe Human Relations Commission will recognize individuals and entities for meritorious service in the pursuit of cultural diversity and advocacy of human rights which benefit Olathe citizens at the Fifth Annual Community Awards Program from 3 - 5 p.m. on April 17 in the Council Chamber of Olathe City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe.

The theme of the event is "Diversity Makes the Difference." The guest speaker will be Chairman Annabeth Surbaugh, Johnson County Board of County Commissioners.

Individuals living and working in the city of Olathe or living and working elsewhere who have contributed to the promotion of human rights to the benefit of the citizens of Olathe will receive awards at the event in the following categories:

  • Public Employee (City, State, Federal)
  • Private Business
  • Public or Private Educational Institutions
  • Volunteer or Civic Involvement
  • Youth (19 and under)

For more information about the awards programs or for special accommodations, call the City of Olathe Office of Human Relations at (913) 971-6490.

Public Input Sought for South Metro Connection Study
Released 4/7/08

In 2006, the Mid-America Regional Council, together with its partners, began to study what type of east-west transportation connection was needed between southeastern Johnson County, Kansas, and northwestern Cass County, Missouri, from US-69 to Holmes Road between 175th Street to the north and 199th Street to the south. The study team evaluated growth trends, land use plans and traffic information for the area and the region. They determined that developing a long-term plan is essential to address the future transportation needs of the region.
The study team is soliciting public input on this issue until Friday, April 18. An on-line survey may be completed at www.marc.org/transportation/smc/; or comments may be e-mailed to southmetro@hntb.com; mailed to South Metro Connection; c/o HNTB, 7450 W. 130th St., Suite 400, Overland Park, KS 66213 or call the project hotline at 9913) 312-4911.

Once all the public comments have been received, the study team will share the results with their local elected officials who will decide how or if to proceed.

In 2007, the study team developed and evaluated five transportation concepts to address travel needs. Those concepts were:

  • No build - Includes only funded roadway projects included in the Transportation Improvement Program.
  • Planned projects - Existing roads are improved when warranted. Each jurisdiction would implement its long-range, planned roadway improvements.
  • Missing links - Completing planned projects and adding some missing roadway connections and making network improvements to create continuous east-west routes.
  • Parkway - A new, four-lane, divided roadway with a limited number of at-grade intersections that would link the North Cass Parkway to US-69 Highway.
  • Freeway - A new fully access-controlled, four-lane divided highway that would connect to the North Cass Parkway.

At the June 2007 public meeting, the study team presented a preliminary recommendation of a four-lane parkway.

Based on comments received at the June 2007 public meeting, the study team revised its recommendation and presented changes at a September 2007 public meeting. Changes reduced the speed limit, used less right-of-way, imposed truck restrictions and used more of the existing right-of-way along 175th Street.

At the November 15th, 2007, Johnson County Board of County Commissioner's meeting, the Commissioners requested the South Metro Connection Study Team to evaluate a two-lane roadway instead of the four-lane proposal.

Led by MARC, the South Metro Connection is a cooperative effort of Johnson County, Cass County, the communities of Olathe, Overland Park and Belton, Federal Highway Administration and the Kansas and Missouri Departments of Transportation. The study team includes representatives from each of these organizations.