Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of January.
Good morning, Olathe.
🎓 Education
Jiya Bhavsar of Indian Hills Middle School and Purvik Byregowda of Pleasant Ridge Middle School became co-champions of the 2026 Johnson County Spelling Bee, which ended after 57 rounds with over 100 students competing in preliminary rounds.
They will head to the Kansas State Spelling Bee.
Parents met Wednesday night to ask questions about the $389 million Bond 2026 plan, which will merge five elementary schools and add three new ones amid falling enrollment and outdated facilities.
Mail-in ballots will be accepted next month — ballots are due March 3 at the Johnson County election office.
🌲 Environment
A 2025 lightning report showed Kansas recorded 273,000 flashes on July 21 and Missouri saw 132,000 on May 19.
In our region, Johnson County logged 67 flashes per square mile, reinforcing the season’s intense storm activity & advising residents to be cautious.
🏛️ Government
The Kansas City Chiefs announced their plan to move their headquarters and training facility to Olathe, with details on a west-side location near K-10 and Ridgeview Road pending and a public hearing on STAR bond funding scheduled for Feb.
22.
Johnson County will operate three warming centers on MLK Day, Jan.
19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Overland Park and Olathe. They will provide phone charging, snacks and drinks at Overland Park Christian Church, Redemption Church, and Salvation Army — library centers will be closed on the holiday.
🏥 Health
Dr. Yoakam at AdventHealth Medical Group in Lenexa gives tips for women facing menopause, urging them to exercise, eat healthy and get regular screenings.
Women are advised to discuss treatment options with their doctors + use treatments that are approved by the FDA + to manage symptoms safely.
🎉 Olathe Events
Submit an event →
1860s Dance Party
2 PM — Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop-Farm — Light refreshments available — Celebrate Kansas Statehood with an afternoon of live music and vintage dance fun.
🏠 Olathe Real Estate
Submit a listing →
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
💼 Olathe Job Board
Submit a job →
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
📣 Olathe Announcements
Submit an announcement →
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Olathe.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.