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February 2008

City of Olathe Hosts Transportation/Housing/Human Relations Focus Group Wednesday
Released 2/25/08

The City of Olathe will conduct a Transportation/Housing/Human Relations Focus Group from 3-5 p.m., Wednesday, February 27 at Olathe City Hall, 100 E Santa Fe. This focus group will provide an opportunity for individuals, churches, and organizations to learn about transportation and human services programs offered through the City's Neighborhood and Human Services Department.

The City of Olathe conducts, at least quarterly, a focus group to provide an opportunity to communicate with its transportation, housing and human relations customers.

Major topics of this focus group will include:

  • Route K transportation program 
  • What is a KRA (Key Result Area) 
  • Programs included in the Diversity KRA including transportation, housing, senior and youth services and diversity services 
  • City budget overview 
  • Overview of the 2009-2013 five-year plan 
  • Input from citizens

Please RSVP to Joe Peters at (913) 971-6269 or jbpeters@olatheks.org to help estimate the number of people who will attend.  For more information about the Olathe Neighborhood and Human Services Department, call (913) 971-6260 or visit www.olatheks.org.

 

Final African American History Month Lecture to be Held Tuesday
Released 2/25/08

The final installment in this month's African American History Month Lecture Series will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 26 at the Bell Cultural Events Center, 2000 Pioneer Blvd., on the campus of MidAmerica Nazarene University.

The lecture, "Race Relations in Kansas: Past and Present," presented by Jim Leiker, Johnson County Community College, will examine the state's diversity practices and explore Kansas's image of equality and tolerance. The session is free and open to the public.

The lecture series was presented throughout February by MidAmerica Nazarene University and the City of Olathe.  For more information, call (913) 971-3521.

 

City of Olathe and OHRC Seek Nominations for the Annual Community Awards Program
Released 2/25/08

The City of Olathe and the Olathe Human Relations Commission are seeking nominations for the fifth annual Community Awards Program.

The awards recognize individuals and entities for meritorious service in the pursuit of cultural diversity and advocacy of human rights which benefit Olathe citizens.

The winners will be announced 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."

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 are eligible for nomination.

Persons or entities can be nominated in the following categories:

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

The application and eligibility requirements are available on-line at www.olatheks.org/NHS/HumanRelations and may be received by mail, fax or e-mail. The nomination form deadline is noon on March 28.

For more information about the nomination process, or for special accommodations, call the City of Olathe Office of Human Relations at (913) 971-6490 or send a fax to (913) 971-6692.

 

Traffic Management System Reduces Delays
Released 2/25/08

The Advanced Traffic Management System is reducing travel times on Olathe's busiest roadways. In a recent study, travel times have decreased as much as 25 percent on Santa Fe, Ridgeview to Black Bob, on Saturday afternoons compared to traffic time data prior to ATMS.

During that same period, the number of stops at traffic signals decreased 43 percent on that portion of Santa Fe. ATMS helps smooth traffic movements by connecting traffic signals to the Olathe Traffic Operations Center using fiber optic and video monitors. Direct information from the field enables improved response to traffic incidents.

The highest traveled areas are already ATMS operational including: Santa Fe Avenue, K-7 to I-35; Black Bob Road, north of Santa Fe; 119th Street, east and west of I-35; K-7, north and south of 151st Street; K-7, Santa Fe to Old 56 Highway; and 159th Street, 169 Highway to Mur-Len.

Another phase of the ATMS should be installed in 2008, including: 151st Street, Ridgeview to Pflumm; Black Bob, 143rd to 151st; 143rd and Mur-Len, north to Cedar and west to Lindenwood.

Upon completion of these installations, approximately 90 percent of Olathe's traffic signals will be ATMS connected and ready for service.
 



Visual Art Entries from the Annual MLK Jr. Contest are on Display at City Hall

Released 2/18/08

Several visual art entries from the Olathe Human Relations Commission contest Celebrate Diversity 2008 are on display in the lobby of Olathe City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe.

The art will be on display from now until Feb. 21. The theme of this year's contest: "Martin Luther King Legacy: Keeping the Dream Alive."

There are 19 entries on display in the lobby of City Hall, which were created by junior high and senior high school students from Olathe District Schools.

The goal of the annual contest is to increase awareness, foster greater understanding, and celebrate the diverse groups which make up the Olathe community.

For more information, call the City Manager's Office at (913) 971-8700.

 

Public Meeting February 25 to Discuss K-7 Corridor
Released 2/18/08

The City of Olathe and Kansas Department of Transportation will host an informational open house meeting regarding the proposed K-7 Corridor in Olathe. The meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, February 25 at the Ball Conference Center, 21350 W. 153rd St. Drop in any time to meet with project team members; presentations will be given at 5:20 and 6:20 p.m.

The proposed K-7 Corridor would stretch from 183rd Street to Old Highway 56. The 2006 K-7 Corridor Management Study recommended that K-7 be a freeway through Olathe, and be realigned along Lone Elm Road from 183rd St. to Old 56 Highway. The current Preliminary K-7 Freeway Design Study is considering access modifications from what was shown in the K-7 Corridor management Study to address development in the area and plan for the future.

If special accommodations are needed, please call (913) 971-8610 at least 48 hours prior to the event.

 

MidAmerica Nazarene University and City of Olathe Celebrate Black History with Lectures
Released 2/18/08

Learn about the rich history and contributions of African-Americans in Kansas and Olathe and promote cultural awareness and unity during the 2008 African-American History Month Lecture Series.

"Race Relations in Kansas: Past & Present" will be February 26 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Bell Cultural Events Center, 2000 Pioneer Blvd., on the campus of MidAmerica Nazarene University. The lecture will examine the state's diversity practices and explore Kansas's image of equality and tolerance. Presenter: Jim Leiker, Johnson County Community College.

All of the sessions are free and open to the public.

The lecture series is presented by MidAmerica Nazarene University and the City of Olathe.

For information, call (913) 971- 3521.

 

City's Electronic Waste Recycling Program Improved and Expanded
Released 2/18/08

The City of Olathe has recently made several improvements to its E-Waste Recycling Program.

Beginning this week, the program will accept for recycling televisions and other small electronics items weighing less than 15 pounds. Small electronics can include microwaves, VCRs, DVD/CD players, fax machines and cell phones.

In addition, many recycling fees have been reduced to encourage more material to be pulled out of the waste stream for recycling. The fees charged help cover the City's costs to proper handling and recycling.

An appointment is necessary to recycle E-waste. Call Olathe Customer Service at 913-971-9311 to schedule an appointment. This program is open to Olathe residents with City of Olathe sanitation service. A valid ID and current City of Olathe utility bill showing residential sanitation charges is required.

Computers, their accessories and household electronic items are not considered hazardous waste when generated from households and may be disposed of with regular trash. However, these items contain large amounts of lead and other non-renewable resources and recycling allows those resources to be reused.

For more information, including a list of guidelines and prices, visit the City website, www.olatheks.org - select Municipal Services from the Departments list, or call 913-971-9311.

 

Boot to be Permanently Displayed in Library

Released 2/11/08

The six-foot tall boot called "Read Any Good Boots Lately?" that has been on display at the corner of Park and Chestnut by the Olathe Public Library, 201 E. Park, will be moved inside the library for its permanent home. The boot was a part of the Welcome Home, Cowboy Boots public art project honoring Olathe's history as the home of the original cowboy boot.

The relocation will be celebrated with a public reception at 3:30 p.m., Feb. 20, at the Olathe Public Library, 201 E. Park. Comcast purchased the boot for the library during the silent auction at the USO Show in November of last year.

Kandice Wepler, Comcast Vice President/General Manager said, "We are delighted to continue our support of reading in the Olathe community and donate the boot to the library. We appreciate the opportunity to support literacy and promote the importance of reading."

Chris and Sue Langseth are the artists who designed the boot that celebrates the Ladies Reading Circle and its role in establishing Olathe's first library.

"Once again, the Olathe Public Library has benefited from the generosity of Comcast. Besides its substantial support of the Summer Reading Club, Comcast has now enabled the library to preserve some of its history with the donation of this sesquicentennial boot," added Emily Baker, OPL Director.

The Woodwright Shop has created a custom oak platform that will allow the boot to be displayed inside the library. A plaque has been mounted on the platform to recognize the Comcast donation.



 

City Offices Closed Monday: Trash Schedule Unchanged
Released 2/11/08

City offices will be closed Monday, February 18 for Presidents' Day. Residential trash, recycling and yard waste collection will not be affected by this holiday.



Public Art and Culture Commission Accepting Proposals for Grants
Released 2/4/08

The City of Olathe is accepting proposals for public art grant funds for 2008. The Olathe Public Art and Cultural Commission will review grant applications and make recommendations to the City Council for funding. Applications are available from the Parks and Recreation office and are due by Friday, February 29, 2008.

Art funding must benefit the Olathe community, its artists and audiences. Only 501(c) (3) agencies may qualify, although the Commission itself may also submit and qualify for programs. The Commission was established by the City Council to help make recommendations on arts funding as well as advising on establishing policies and regulations relating to public art and cultural programs in Olathe.

For more information call the Olathe Parks and Recreation Department at 913-971-6263.

City of Olathe Declares Month of February as African-American History Month in the City
Released 2/4/08

The Olathe City Council will present a proclamation celebrating the month of February as African-American History Month at the City Council meeting on February 5 in the Council Chamber of Olathe City Hall.

Olathe Mayor Michael Copeland will present the proclamation to Anthony L. Moore, Ph.D., Professor of Education/Director of Multicultural Affairs at MidAmerica Nazarene University and business owners Don Person and Terri Person.

Don and Terri, owners of Forever Yours Glass Etchings; Bill Buckner, President/CEO of UnifiedTek Corp.; and Kirk Perucca of Kirk Perucca Associates are the sponsors of the African-American History Month Lecture Series. (See details below.)

The historic achievements and contributions of African-Americans were first celebrated and recognized in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson with the inception of Negro History Week.

The proclamation states: "The City of Olathe is proud to join the Olathe Diversity Committee and the Olathe Human Relations Commission and other community leaders in promoting greater awareness and appreciation of the vital role African-Americans have played in shaping the history and direction of our nation."

And in doing so, the City calls upon all residents to embrace and honor these significant contributions to our community and our nation.

For more information, call the City Manager's Office at (913) 971-8700.

MidAmerica Nazarene University and City of Olathe Present Lecture Series to Celebrate African-American History Month
Released 2/4/08

Learn about the rich history and contributions of African-Americans in Kansas and Olathe and promote cultural awareness and unity during the 2008 African-American History Month Lecture Series.

The lecture series, presented by MidAmerica Nazarene University and the City of Olathe, will be from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Bell Cultural Events Center, 2000 Pioneer Blvd., on the campus of MidAmerica Nazarene University.

All of the sessions are free and open to the public.

The following are the sessions:

  • Freedom in Kansas After Emancipation - February 5
    Discover experiences of African-Americans who journeyed to Kansas after Emancipation looking for freedom. Presenter: Carmaletta Williams, Johnson County Community College
  • Black Newspapers & African-American Communities in Kansas - February 12
    Learn about 19th Century newspapers, the African-American press pioneers and the communities served by these publications. Presenter: Aleen Ratzlaff, Tabor College
  • Race Relations in Kansas: Past & Present - February 26
    Examine the state's diversity practices and explore Kansas's image of equality and tolerance. Presenter: Jim Leiker, Johnson County Community College

The sponsors for the lecture series are Don & Terri Person owners of Forever Yours Glass Etchings, Bill Buckner, President/CEO of UnifiedTek Corp., and Kirk Perucca of Kirk Perucca Associates.

For information, call (913) 971- 3521.

Sesquicentennial Cookbook Good Option for Valentine's Day Shopping
Released 2/4/08

Looking for a unique gift for Valentine's Day? A great choice would be the 150th Anniversary Cookbook - one of the items created to commemorate Olathe's 150th birthday. The cookbook is a compilation of recipes from now and 1892 and is available for $15 or 2 for $25.

You can purchase the cookbook at Olathe City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe.

For more information, call (913) 971-8506.