March 2008

Olathe Teen Council Accepting Applications for 2008-09 School Year
Released 3/31/08

The Olathe Teen Council is now accepting applications for membership for the 2008-09 school year. The Olathe Teen Council is a representative body of students with delegates recruited from each of the local four senior high schools, the eight junior high schools and the Kansas School for the Deaf. Modeled after the City Council, Teen Council serves as the youth voice to city government and also as a service group for projects designed to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Olathe.

Olathe Teen Council meets on a monthly basis at Olathe City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe. Elected officers conduct all meetings with some formalism, which prepares the students with the basic protocols of conducting their business at hand, efficiently and respectfully.
Applications are due Thursday, May 1 and are available at www.olatheks.org/NHS/HumanServices/YouthServices/TeenCouncil.

"Being involved in Olathe Teen Council has given me opportunities to work with Olathe's city council and mayor," said Devin Smith, Olathe Youth Congress member. "It also introduced me to the National League of Cities, in which I became more involved by being one of three youth from across the nation to sit on the Youth, Education and Families Council. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity that allowed me to travel the country, meet our nation's leaders, and direct policy discussions. All of this stemmed from my involvement in Olathe Teen Council here in Olathe."

Routine functions of the Olathe Teen Council include: assisting in the implementation of Olathe Youth Congress priorities, participating in City boards and task forces, acting as the eyes and ears of their peers, serving as the avenue through which youth can submit ideas or concerns to the Olathe City Council or other appropriate organizations, and the implementation of special projects
such as Splash Night, which helps support local children's literacy programs.

For more information about Olathe Teen Council, contact Tabitha Davis, youth programs specialist, (913) 971-6287.

Olathe Teen Council is a partnership of the City of Olathe, Olathe District Schools, Kansas School for the Deaf and Olathe Children's Initiatives.

Olathe Police Department Joins with Kansas City Wizards and Other Agencies for Drug Free Youth Night Event
Released 3/31/08

The Olathe Police Department is partnering with the Kansas City Wizards and other KC Metro area police departments and drug free programs to provide a Drug Free Youth Night with the Kansas City Wizards on Saturday, April 12. The game begins at 7 p.m. at the Community America Ballpark in Kansas City, Kansas, located near the Legends shopping center.

This event is available to any student in Kansas or Missouri who is involved with a drug free awareness/prevention program, such as Project ALERT, in elementary, middle, junior or senior high school and their families. Informational booths and free activities will be available and after the game children can participate in an autograph/photo session.

Print a flier and ticket order form on the Kansas City Wizards website or contact Brian Roth, 913-387-3839 for more information.

Highly-Anticipated Mahaffie Heritage Center Opens This Weekend
Released 3/31/08

The much-anticipated opening of the Mahaffie Heritage Center will become a reality April 4 when the facility opens its doors for the first time to tell the story of the Mahaffie family and their connection with Olathe, Johnson County, Kan., and the Santa Fe Trail.

The celebration for the new Heritage Center kicks off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 11 a.m. to noon on April 4. A Heritage Center public Open House will be from noon to 4 p.m. April 5.

Visitors to the Heritage Center during the public open house will be able to tour the new facility, view historical exhibits, listen to live period music and special presentations on Mahaffie history and enjoy refreshments. Also, the Mahaffie home will be open with cooking demonstrations and other living history activities in the historic house and the stagecoach will be operating with a fee per rider.

The 10,000-square-foot Heritage Center is built on about eight acres at the northwest corner of Kansas City Road and Ridgeview Road. The Heritage Center features a 2,300-square-foot assembly room with a working fireplace and adjacent catering kitchen facilities with a pass-thru window to the outdoor patio. Besides the assembly space, the new facility features a gift shop, exhibit galleries for Mahaffie and the Olathe Historical Society, offices, and restrooms.

For more information about the Mahaffie Heritage Center and the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site, 1100 Kansas City Rd., Olathe, call (913) 971-5111.

Olathe City Council to Recognize Olathe Students as Champions
Released 3/31/08

The City Council will recognize at the April 1 Council meeting Olathe students who contributed to Olathe's standing as a City of Champions through their accomplishments. Olathe prides itself on being a City of Champions, encompassing a wide variety of talents, including both academic achievements and top finishes in competitive sports. The following high school state championships and student academic achievements will be honored:

Matt Washford, Bowling, Olathe Northwest
Olathe East Gymnastics Team
Taylor Berggren, Gymnastics - Balance Beam and Vault, Olathe East
Austin Acheson, Swimming - 500-Yard Freestyle (Boys), Olathe East
Bryson Cramer, Cris Smith, Austin Acheson, Joe Knight, Swimming - 400-Yard Freestyle Relay (Boys), Olathe East
Feiyang Sun, Perfect ACT Score, Olathe East

Council to Discuss Several Development Services Items Regarding Rock Quarry Property
Released 3/31/08

The City Council will discuss quarry and construction and demolition landfill renewals, quarry and construction and demolition landfill expansions and commercial/industrial rezoning for the southwest corner of 151st and Lone Elm at their Tuesday, April 1 meeting. This discussion was originally scheduled in February.

Items include:

Quarry and Construction and Demolition Landfill Renewal Cases SU-07-023 and SU-07-024
Quarry and Construction and Demolition Landfill Expansion Cases SU-07-021, SU-07-022 and RZ-07-038
Commercial and Industrial Zoning at the southwest corner of 151st and Lone Elm RZ-07-039 and RZ-07-040

For more information, call the Development Services Department, (913) 971-8750, or go to www.olatheks.org/Development/News.

Local Girl Scout Troop Earns Award for Mahaffie Volunteer Projects
Released 3/31/08

Girl Scout Troop #1001 was presented with the Carrie Newson Youth Volunteer Award at the annual Friends and Volunteer Banquet at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm on Friday, February 29. The award was started in honor of Carrie Newson, daughter of Mike and Lynette Newson of Olathe. Carrie was a volunteer in 1996 and helped give tours of the Mahaffie house and helped in the gift shop. Carrie was tragically killed in a car accident in March of 1998.

Members of the Girl Scout Troop are Natalie Flaucher, Tallin LaRue, Randi Beggs and Emerald McAdams. The troop is led by Lisa Flaucher. The Troop earned their Silver Award on Saturday, March 29 because of their dedicated service to Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. They helped with Cemetery Tours, assisted with Brownie Girl Scout Day, conducted a program of Trailside cooking and modern dutch oven cooking for the event, Chautauqua West: Wagons, Wit and Wisdom in August 2007 as part of the City of Olathe's 150th celebration, helped research and select merchandise for the new gift shop in the Heritage Center at Mahaffie, and helped develop a program for Girl Scouts, the Historic Value of Valentines held each January. Each Scout contributed over 50 hours during 2007 for a total of over 200 hours for 2007. The girls are exploring the option of continuing their service to Mahaffie in 2008 for the next level, the Gold Award.

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop is very grateful for the many hours the Girl Scout Troop has contributed and is honored to give them this great award.

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. Please call or visit our website for current times and dates, www.olatheks.org/Visitors/Mahaffie, (913) 971-5111.

Downtown Olathe Parking Garage Opening with March 26 Ceremony
Released 3/17/08

The newly-expanded and enhanced downtown Olathe parking garage, located north of Loula between Cherry and Chestnut Streets, will officially open after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 26. The ceremony will be held at the new Chestnut St. entrance to the expanded garage.

This expansion project has added 400 parking spaces in that area. The project was started June 30, 2007 and was completed on-time and on-budget.

Specifically, the project constructed a new six-level parking garage on the site of the existing parking lot located directly north of the existing parking garage. The project also linked the twostructures together and made aesthetic improvements to the existing garage to tie it together visually with the new garage and other surrounding buildings.

This is a joint project of the City of Olathe and Johnson County.

Expanding parking in downtown Olathe is one component of the City of Olathe's commitment to downtown Olathe. In 2003 the Council approved the Envision Olathe Plan which outlines a comprehensive revitalization plan for downtown Olathe. The parking garage expansion project is one of the first visible steps taken from that plan. Other projects include the railroad elevation project, also near completion, and the Santa Fe streetscape project set to begin next spring.

For questions related to this work or the parking garage expansion project, contact Jeff Blakeman, project coordinator, 913-971-8767.

State of the City Luncheon March 28
Released 3/17/08

The Olathe Chamber of Commerce will host the 2008 State of the City Luncheon at 11 a.m., Friday, March 28 at the Olathe Holiday Inn, 101 W. 151st St. The event will feature Olathe Mayor Michael Copeland's annual State of the City address.

For more information contact the Olathe Chamber of Commerce at (913) 764-1050.

Spots Still Available for Annual Scouting Open House
Released 3/17/08

The City of Olathe will host its annual 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.

Public Art & Culture Commission Public Hearing March 26
Released 3/17/08

The Olathe Public Art and Culture Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 26 for agencies who applied for the 2008 grant program for public art and culture programs and events. The public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. at Olathe City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe.

Art funding must benefit the Olathe community, its artists and audiences. Only 501(c) (3) agencies qualify, although the Commission itself may 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 culture programs in Olathe.
For more information call (913) 971-6263.

Lawn Irrigation Inspection Program Protects Water Supply
Released 3/17/08

With the arrival of spring, comes the inevitable return of routine lawn maintenance. The City of Olathe Municipal Services Department would like to remind Olathe water customers of the City's Cross-Connection Program, which includes an annual inspection and testing for all backflow prevention devices installed on underground lawn irrigation systems.

The City's Cross-Connection Program helps to ensure safe water for all Olathe water customers by eliminating the risk of potential water contamination through cross-connections. A cross-connection is any connection between the public water supply and a source where there is potential for contaminants to enter the City's water supply. The connection between a lawn irrigation system and the City's main water supply is an example of a cross-connection.

The installation of an approved backflow prevention device on lawn irrigation systems can prevent possible contamination of the City's water supply with contaminates such as lawn fertilizers, chemicals and pesticides. The Olathe Municipal Code and Cross-Connection Program require that an approved backflow prevention device be installed on all cross-connections that are considered "high risk" by the International Plumbing Code, including lawn irrigation systems.

These devices must be tested and inspected by a certified backflow tester, available through many licensed plumbing and irrigation companies, with results recorded on a City of Olathe report form and submitted to the City. Additional program information is being mailed to all Olathe residential and commercial water customers with underground lawn irrigation systems and is also available at www.olatheks.org.

For more information about the City's Cross-Connection Program or how to make the most of your lawn irrigation system, call 913-971-9311 or visit the City website at www.olatheks.org, select Municipal Services Department.

National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Meeting March 27
Released 3/17/08

The City of Olathe will provide an update to the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 27. The public meeting will be held in the City Council Chamber of Olathe City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe.

The City of Olathe is in the process of developing new stormwater ordinances to address compliance with National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements and will present the preliminary summary for feedback from development-related customers.

Anyone involved in development in Olathe is encouraged to attend.

Major topics of this informational meeting will include:

General requirements of the NPDES phase II permit
Executive summary of proposed stream corridor ordinance
Executive summary of proposed stormwater treatment ordinance

To help us estimate the numbers of people who will attend, please RSVP to Faye Upchurch at 913-971-8763 or fupchurch@olatheks.org.

Public Meeting March 27 to Discuss Ridgeview Road Improvements
Released 3/17/08

The City of Olathe will host a public meeting to provide information and gather input regarding preliminary plans for the proposed improvements to Ridgeview Rd. between Loula and Sheridan. The open house format meeting will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27 in the City Council Chamber of Olathe City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe.

Ridgeview Rd. will be reconstructed and widened within the current right-of-way to accommodate the transportation needs in the area. This project includes full asphalt and curb replacement, sidewalk improvements, drainage improvements, and reconstruction of driveway approaches.

Construction is planned to begin this summer.

For more information or special meeting accommodations, contact Jeff Beal, project coordinator, at (913) 971-8768 or jbeal@olatheks.org.

Olathe Civic Academy Looks at Local Government from Inside Out - Applications Due Soon
Released 3/17/08

Applications are available now for the Olathe Civic Academy, designed to provide an inside view of Olathe City government. Olathe Civic Academy is an exciting citizen program, led by elected officials and City staff, which provides an enhanced understanding of local government, while providing a sense of renewal and vitality about the community. Olathe Civic Academy clarifies the City's organizational structure and its roles in capital improvement projects, finances, parks and recreation, public safety and municipal services ranging from water utilities to solid waste management.

Olathe Civic Academy is modeled after citizen academies across the country, yet the program highlights what is uniquely Olathe. Olathe Civic Academy classes meet on nine consecutive Thursday evenings from 5:45 to 9 p.m. beginning April 17. There is no participation fee.

Applications are available at www.olatheks.org, select Community Involvement, or by calling Carolyn Hendley at 913-971-8946. Applications are due by Friday, March 28.

City of Olathe and OHRC Seek Nominations for the Annual Community Awards Program - Nomination Form Deadline: Noon March 28
Released 3/17/08

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 nomination form 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.

Council to Discuss Several Development Services Items Regarding Rock Quarry Property April 1
Released 3/17/08

Items include:

Quarry and Construction and Demolition Landfill Renewal Cases:
SU-07-023
SU-07-024
Quarry and Construction and Demolition Landfill Expansion Cases:
SU-07-021
SU-07-022
RZ-07-038
Commercial and Industrial Zoning at the southwest corner of 151st and Lone Elm:
RZ-07-039
RZ-07-040

The quarry and construction and demolition landfill renewal cases were originally heard at the January 14 Planning Commission meeting. The Planning Commission heard the quarry and construction and demolition landfill expansion cases at the January 28 Planning Commission meeting. The Planning Commission heard the commercial and industrial zoning cases at the southwest corner of 151st and Lone Elm at the January 28 Planning Commission meeting.

For more information, call the Development Services Department, (913) 971-8750, or go to http://www.olatheks.org/Development/News.

Registration for Summer Recreation Classes to Begin Soon
Released 3/17/08

The summer recreation catalog will be available via the City website and by mail (if requested) by March 21. Olathe residents may begin registering on March 26. Some programs/events of interest featured this summer include:

Youth Theatre Camp (Camp Curtain Call)
Youth Sports Camps
Free Friday Night Summer Concert Series
Hershey Track & Field Meet
Swim Lessons/Swim Memberships
Tennis Lessons/Camps
Adult Softball Leagues
Sailing Classes
Fishing Derby

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.

Highly-Anticipated Mahaffie Heritage Center Opens Next Month:
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony 11 a.m. April 4 & Public Open House noon - 4 p.m. April 5
Released 3/10/08

Visitors to the Heritage Center, 1200 Kansas City Road, will receive an all-new Mahaffie experience aided by historic exhibits and audio-visual presentations.

"The long-awaited opening of our beautiful new Heritage Center will boost tourism in the Olathe community and greatly enhance the experiences that visitors of all ages enjoy at the Mahaffie historic site. The Heritage Center will be a premier attraction for the site and our community and will allow us to tell more about the great story of the Mahaffie family and Olathe's proud beginnings," said Olathe Mayor Michael Copeland.

City of Olathe Parks and Recreation Department Director Kevin Corbett said, "This is truly a great day for our city and the community that was made possible by numerous individuals and groups donating time and giving money, including community leaders, organizations, City staff and the great citizens of the Olathe community."

The celebration for the new Heritage Center kicks off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 11 a.m. to noon on April 4.

Mayor Copeland and other city and county leaders will speak at the April 4 event and cut the ceremonial red ribbon - marking the official opening of the Heritage Center.

A Heritage Center public Open House will be from noon to 4 p.m. April 5. Visitors to the Heritage Center during the public open house will be able to tour the new facility, view historical exhibits, listen to live period music and special presentations on Mahaffie history and enjoy refreshments. Also, the Mahaffie home will be open with cooking demonstrations and other living history activities in the historic house and the stagecoach will be operating with a fee per rider.

Heritage Center Highlights
The 10,000-square-foot "Heritage Center" is built on about eight acres at the northwest corner of Kansas City Road and Ridgeview Road. The Heritage Center features a 2300-square-foot assembly room with a working fireplace and adjacent catering kitchen facilities with a pass-thru window to the outdoor patio.

Besides the assembly space, the new facility features a gift shop, exhibit galleries for Mahaffie and the Olathe Historical Society, offices, and restrooms.

Custom-engraved bricks, purchased by individuals and entities, will line the front sidewalk of the new center. Bricks can still be purchased and proceeds will benefit programming and operations of the new facility.

In the spring, landscapers will surround the exterior of the facility with native plants, trees and nineteenth century ornamental flowers.

And a life-size relief sculpture of a stagecoach, passengers and six horses will be installed on the property in May near the corner of Ridgeview and Kansas City roads. The bronze sculpture by artist Kwan Wu is the Olathe Sesquicentennial Committee's Legacy Gift to the city.

A unique aspect of the facility is that it will be available for rent for corporate meetings, business meetings, wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners, family reunions, and birthday and anniversary celebrations.

"I can't help, but think that if JB & Lucinda (Mahaffie) were here today they would be amazed at the interest the community has in their farm and the outpouring of support for this great new facility," said Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop's Historic Site Manager Tim Talbott.

Funding Sources Used for the Building
The heritage center is being funded through $900,000 raised by Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site's Foundation in partnership with $1.65 million from the retail sales tax fund approved by the Olathe City Council. There were also generous contributions from the following:

Johnson County Heritage Trust Fund - Johnson County Board of County Commissioners
Kansas Department of Commerce Travel and Tourism Division
Olathe City Council and City staff
Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Foundation
Money from the R.R. Osborne Trust
Olathe Historical Society
Maron Moore and many other corporate and private donors

The Mahaffie Historic Site contains the only remaining stagecoach stop open to the public on the Santa Fe Trail and is a certified historic site on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail by the National Park Service.

For more information about the Mahaffie Heritage Center and the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site, 1100 Kansas City Rd., Olathe call (913) 971-5111.

Free Easter Egg Hunt March 15 at the Great Mall in Olathe
Released 3/10/08

The City of Olathe Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with Olathe Hy-Vee, 16100 W. 135 St., to sponsor an Easter egg hunt from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at the Great Mall of the Great Plains, 20700 W. 151 St.

This is the third year for the Free event.

Separate egg hunts will be held for different age groups. The hunt for children up to 2 years of age will begin at 1:30 p.m., ages 3-5 at 12:30 p.m., ages 6-8 at 11:45 a.m. and ages 9-12 will begin at 11 a.m.

In addition to hunting for eggs, the event will feature booths by the Olathe Police and Fire Departments, the Johnson County Sheriff's Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kids Park, face painters, the Roberts Dairy Cow "Bossie," moonwalks by Wacky Banana, and of course, the Easter Bunny.

Still Time to Purchase a Plot in the Olathe Community Garden
Released 3/10/08

Those who love planting fruits and vegetables may still purchase a plot in the Olathe Community Garden.

The deadline for applications is March 31, 2008.

There are 12 plots available, plus one wheelchair accessible plot, available in the community garden, which will soon be located at the corner of Santa Fe and Pine Streets in downtown Olathe. The garden has been located downtown at the southwest corner of Loula and Water streets since 2004.

Each plot is 10x 22 feet. Participants are responsible for the maintenance of their plot in accordance with the community garden guidelines.

The garden committee meets the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Lone Elm Conference Room of Olathe City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe.

Those interested in purchasing a plot should come to a meeting of the group or contact City of Olathe Neighborhood Planner Elizabeth Barker at (913) 971- 8817.

Cultural Learning Links Series Continues with Russian American Focus
Released 3/10/08

A group of panelists, representing the Russian American community, will come together to dispel myths, discuss and explore Russian culture, and share personal experiences.

"Celebrating Diversity and Honoring Unity" is the theme of the Cultural Learning Links series.

The event, free and open to the public, will meet from 1 - 3 p.m. March 11 at MidAmerica Nazarene University's Bell Cultural Events Center, 2030 E. College Way, Olathe.

The facilitator will be Svetlana Yeager, director of marketing at All World Languages & Cultures Inc., dba, Universal Highways.

The following are the panelists:

Dennis Ayzin - General Manager of Translation Perfect
Eve Levin - Professor Kansas University
Laura Breitberg , Clinical Therapist LSCSW, LCSW, - Jewish Family Services
Gregory Sandomirsky - Associate Concertmaster of the Kansas City Symphony
Artur Tkachenko - Student Panelist Junior Olathe Northwest

The Cultural Learning Links panelists will each answer different questions 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 event is sponsored by the City of Olathe, Americana Jubilee, MidAmerica Nazarene University, Able Hands Interpreting Services, Olathe Public Library, and Ken Hinson's KHR radio.com.

The meeting room is accessible. For more information about the March 11and upcoming Cultural Learning Links, contact the Office of Human Relations at (913) 971-6490 or go to http://www.olatheks.org.

Severe Weather Awareness Week: Are You and Your Family Prepared?
Released 3/10/08

The Olathe Fire Department challenges you to prepare and plan for severe weather during "Kansas Severe Weather Awareness Week," March 10-14, 2008.

In 2007, Kansas reported 137 tornadoes - that's 80 more than Kansas' annual average and a new record for a single year!! Last year, Kansas tornadoes killed 14 people and injured 82. The Greensburg tornado, on May 4, 2007, is the strongest tornado on record.

Lightning is the #2 weather killer in the United States - killing more people than tornadoes and hurricanes combined!! Lightning produces an electric charge or current that generates heat up to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit - that's five times hotter than the sun's surface.

Do you know the fastest and most reliable way to receive information about severe weather and other community hazards like chemical spills or leaks? A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) All-Hazards Radio is the fastest and most reliable way to receive severe weather watches, warnings and advisories and information about other community hazards. One metro program, Project Community Alert, makes NOAA all-hazard radios available at cost.

The annual statewide tornado drill is Tuesday, March 11 at 1:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the drill will occur on Thursday, March 13 at 1:30 p.m.

Do you know what CERT is? CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team. A CERT group is an organized team of people trained by the Olathe Fire Department for disaster planning, preparedness and survival. The Olathe CERT program has trained more than 800 people since its inception in 2001.

Learn more about severe weather, emergency preparedness and CERT by calling Olathe's Emergency Management Coordinator Rita Hoffman at (913) 971-7943 or visit www.olatheks.org and click on "Emergency Preparedness."

Sign Up Now for Upcoming Community Emergency Response Team Training
Released 3/10/08

The Olathe Fire Department is accepting applications for the next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training class. The next CERT class will begin Saturday, March 22 at 1 p.m. at the Fire Administration Building, 1225 S. Hamilton Circle, Olathe.

CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people. A CERT group is an organized team of people trained for disaster planning, preparedness and survival. Following a major disaster, like a tornado strike, professional first responders who provide fire and medical services may not be able to meet the initial demand for these services.

The potential for large numbers of victims, disabled telecommunication equipment, and road blockages may delay emergency services workers from reaching disaster victims. In a disaster, people will have to rely on each other for help to meet their immediate live-saving and life-sustaining needs. A CERT network can train people to meet Olathe's needs in the event of a disaster.

The course will run form 1-5 p.m. Saturday March 22 through April 19.

An on-line application is available at www.olatheks.org/Fire/ResponseTeam or contact Rita Hoffman, (913) 971-7943, for more information.

Council to Present Farmers Insurance Group with Pride Award
Released 3/3/08

The Olathe City Council will award Farmers Insurance Group with a Pride Award at their March 4 meeting. Farmers is being recognized for their community spirit and the tremendous investment they have made in the Olathe community.

The City of Olathe can take great pride not only in the many new jobs Farmers is creating and the positive economic impact of their expansion, but of Farmers' outstanding community spirit and the many ways in which they have stepped forward to become involved as a valuable community partner and friend. In addition to their community sponsorships, including the Olathe Summer Concert Series, Farmers is represented in many volunteer efforts and on boards such as the Olathe Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund Board.

Accepting the award for Farmers Tuesday night will be Rod Johnson, Vice President, ServicePoint, and Vince Donofrio, Vice President, HelpPoint.

The Community Pride Award was created to honor those individuals, businesses and community organizations of the City of Olathe who have excelled in enhancing the image of Olathe. Award submissions can be made to the Office of the Mayor. Call 913-971-8700 for more information.

Road Improvements to Help Reduce Traffic Congestion
Released 3/3/08

The Olathe City Council will consider at their March 4 meeting several road projects designed to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.

The first project consists of the construction of a right turn lane from south bound K-7 to West bound 56 Highway. Because of anticipated increases in traffic volumes for this area the project will include long-range planning as well. This project includes State funds and is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2009.

A second project will construct a merge lane for traffic exiting north bound I-35 to east bound 151st Street. This project has been awarded Federal funds. This project is tentatively scheduled to be constructed in the spring of 2009.

The intersections of Santa Fe and Lindenwood and Santa Fe and Brougham will receive improvements to increase capacity and improve traffic flow. The Lindenwood project will receive an additional northbound left turn lane from Lindenwood to Santa Fe. The Brougham project will receive an eastbound left turn lane on Santa Fe to northbound Brougham. Construction of both projects is expected to begin in the Spring of 2008. Both projects received State STP Safety funds.

March 11 Council Meeting Canceled
Released 3/3/08

There will be no City Council meeting Tuesday, March 11 so that Councilmembers may attend the National League of Cities Congressional Cities Conference in Washington, D.C. Information about the Olathe City Council is available at file://///%5C%5Colatheks.local%5CPublic%5CCHE%5CCity.Managers.Office%5CPress%20Releases%5CWeekly%20Briefs%5C2008%20News%20Briefs%5Cwww.olatheks.org.

Dispose of Household Chemicals Safely Saturday
Released 3/3/08

Olathe residents are asked to safely dispose of household products at Olathe's Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off site, located south of the Olathe Municipal Services Center, 1385 S. Robinson, Saturday, March 8. The HHW collection site is open the second Saturday of the month year-round from 8 a.m. to noon. HHW also can be disposed of at other times by appointment. Call 913-971-9311 to schedule an appointment.

Household chemicals such as motor oil, antifreeze, paint, batteries and pesticides can be harmful to the environment and should not be thrown away with trash or dumped down the sink. Disposal of these types of chemicals at a HHW facility ensures proper disposal of the chemicals and helps protect the environment.

For more information, please call the Olathe Municipal Services Center at 913-971-9311.

Olathe Civic Academy Looks at Local Government from Inside Out - Register Now!
Released 3/3/08

Applications are available at file://///%5C%5Colatheks.local%5CPublic%5CCHE%5CCity.Managers.Office%5CPress%20Releases%5CWeekly%20Briefs%5C2008%20News%20Briefs%5Cwww.olatheks.org, select Community Involvement, or by calling Carolyn Hendley at 913-971-8946. Applications are due by Friday, March 28.

Champions of Character Parent Seminar Teaches Sportsmanship to Adults on Sidelines
Released 3/3/08

Good sportsmanship is a top priority within the City of Olathe sports programs for players, coaches, fans and especially parents. That's why one parent is encouraged to attend a Champions of Character Parent Seminar. The seminars, which educate parents about the importance of remaining spectators and letting the participants play the game, are being taught by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

"While we are proud to say that we have not had any incidents of bad sportsmanship by our parents or participants in the City of Olathe's Parks and Recreation programs, we realize that seminars such as these are important to inform everyone about the importance of respecting one another during a sports event as well as realizing that it is a game and that we all need to just have fun," said Brad Clay, superintendent of the City of Olathe's Parks and Recreation Department.

One parent is encouraged to attend a Champions of Character seminar if they have a child or children participating in sports through Olathe Parks and Recreation, Olathe Youth Baseball, Inc., Olathe Girls Softball Association or Kansas Rush Soccer.

Parents who attend a seminar and sign the "Parent Champions of Character Seminar" form will be exempt from attending another Champions of Character seminar for three years from the last seminar attended. This exemption includes all of the sports groups listed above.

The seminar for spring sports will be March 27 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Olathe East High School Auditorium, 14545 W. 127^th St.

For more information about the Champions of Character Parent Seminar, call the City of Olathe Parks and Recreation Dept. at 913-971-6263.

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March 2008