Good morning, Olathe.

Olathe Public Schools removed cheer and dance as middle school electives effective for the 2026/27 school year, but students can still join the activities after school.

Board members voted 7-0 on Jan. 8 and staff are updating curricula (including coach pay adjustments) to guide the transition.

Johnson County officials approved up to $25,000 in motel vouchers on Thursday to help overflow guests at Project 1020, the only cold-weather shelter at Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church.

The funding is available through Mar. 31 as temperatures drop into the teens, addressing urgent safety needs.

Officials in Lenexa and Shawnee said talks with the Kansas City Chiefs did not lead to relocation plans after the team chose Olathe for its headquarters; both cities were added to the state's STAR bond district, which may direct sales tax revenue to fund the stadium (resident taxes remain stable).

Karen Gerson, a Johnson County author living in Leawood, released her memoir I Should Not Be Here (which details her struggles with depression, OCD, and PTSD and the support from loved ones) on Nov.

18. The book is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and local shops.

Johnson County's housing market cooled in 2025 as inventory rose to a 3.82-month supply and median days on market increased from 28 in July to 47 in December, pointing to a balanced market since buyer urgency waned and experts forecast a 14% rise in home sales for 2026.

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.