Olathe News - Dec. 10 '07

This year, Olathe is using a new type of pretreated salt, and the results have been very positive.   However, the new salt is green in appearance, and they city cautions drivers that it can be easily mistaken for broken glass. 

In the event of a significant ice storm, Olathe residents are asked to act as they always do by checking on senior and/or disabled neighbors.   In addition, residents are asked to avoid parking on streets and avoid driving if possible.

During winter storms, City crews will first treat major arterial roads, followed by collector roads.

Weathering Winter Weather
As winter weather blankets the metro and more approaches, remember a few safety tips to make your home safer:

• A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or NOAA weather radio alerts you to weather watches and warnings in your area.
• Smoke alarms should be either battery-powered or have a battery back-up in case you lose power.
• Heat sources using kerosene, propane or natural gas can cause a build-up of carbon monoxide or CO in the home if they are not vented or vented improperly.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn - "SPACE HEATERS NEED SPACE."
• Heat sources using kerosene, propane or natural gas can cause a build-up of carbon monoxide or CO in the home if they are not vented or vented improperly.
• In case of power loss, operate generators outside of the home to avoid a build-up of CO and always follow manufacturer's recommendations.
• Avoid conditions like frostbite and hypothermia or low body temperature by dressing warm in layers and limiting your exposure to the cold.
• Be cautious when walking outside to avoid slips and falls.
• Travel only when road conditions allow for safe passage.
• When traveling, plan your trip; match your speed to road conditions; leave early and allow extra time for travel; keep a car kit on hand with things like a windshield scraper and small broom for snow and ice removal, blankets, flashlight with batteries, first aid kit, extra clothing, shovel, tools, booster cables, ready-to-eat food, water container, tow rope or chains, map and compass; and always buckle up!

College Boulevard Construction Project Ribbon-Cutting on Dec. 20 
The City of Olathe will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the College Boulevard Construction Project in Olathe, Kan., at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20.  This critical project for northwest Olathe addresses safety and traffic on College Blvd. by eliminating the at-grade crossing over the west railroad tracks. 

The ribbon-cutting site is located west of the College Blvd. and Ridgeview Rd. intersection in Olathe.  Please enter the ribbon-cutting site from Ridgeview Rd.

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

Holiday Pictures with Santa Benefit Olathe Special Olympics
Take your picture with Santa and help Olathe Special Olympics!  Olathe Special Olympics and the City of Olathe will sponsor holiday photos at Olathe City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe, from 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, December 15 and Sunday, December 16.

Kansas Special Olympics photographer Myron Cramer will take photos with your choice of Santa or a Christmas tree.  All proceeds will benefit the Olathe Special Olympics' effort to raise money to purchase a shuttle bus.  Choose from two $10 packages.  Photos will be mailed to you before Christmas.

City Offices Closed for Christmas and New Year's Holidays: Holiday Solid Waste Services Schedule

City of Olathe offices will close at noon Monday, December 24 and remain closed through Tuesday, December 25 for the Christmas holiday.  City offices will reopen at 8 a.m. Wednesday, December 26.  Offices also will be closed Tuesday, January 1 for the New Year's Day holiday. 

Residential trash and recycling will not be collected on Christmas Day or New Year's Day.  Residents will have their collection delayed one day the weeks of Christmas and New Year's.  The Olathe Transfer Station, 1681 S. Valley Rd., and Compost Facility, 127th & Hedge Lane, will be closed December 25 and January 1.  

No City Council or Planning Commission Meeting Week of Christmas

The Olathe City Council will not meet in study session Tuesday, December 25.  The Olathe Planning Commission will not meet Monday, December 24.  Information about City Council and Planning Commission meetings is available on-line at www.olatheks.org.

Mahaffie Site and Sesquicentennial Committee Good Options for Holiday Shopping

The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm historic site and the Olathe Sesquicentennial Committee are selling a variety of items to make your holiday shopping easy. 

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm
The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm historic site, 1100 Kansas City Rd., is decorated for the holidays and will be open Saturday, December 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, December 16 from noon to 4 p.m.  The site's gift shop is stocked with new and unique farm and animal-related toys.  The Mahaffie ornament is $5.95 and depicts a historic scene including the stagecoach and Mahaffie house.  People interested in shopping in the site's gift shop during the week may call the site at 913-971-5111 to schedule a time. 

Sesquicentennial Commemoratives
The Sesquicentennial Committee has selected a variety of interesting items to commemorate Olathe's 150th birthday, which was celebrated in February 2007.  Items available include commemorative plates, ornaments, lapel pin, hat, t-shirts, belt buckle, poster, postcard book and more! 

All items are available at Olathe City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe, and other Olathe locations.  Visit www.olatheks.org for a complete list of locations and available items.

For more information about the Olathe Sesquicentennial call 913-971-8506. 

For more up-to-date City of Olathe info. including Construction Alerts and Job Opportunities, visit the City website at www.olatheks.org.

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100 E. Santa Fe; Olathe, KS 66061
913-971-8600