Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Olathe. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Johnson County will launch new World Cup bus routes, including a free airport shuttle starting June 1 and a circulator linking Olathe, Lenexa and Overland Park beginning June 9. The services will run through mid-July with varied schedules and fare options. Johnson County Post
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Bar closed its oldest Shawnee location Monday after 16 years and will open a new venue in Olathe near 119th & Ridgeview later this year to serve craft cocktails, beers, and casual eats. Johnson County Post
- ➤ Florida-based ice cream shop Pecan Jacks will debut its first Johnson County location at Vista Village in Lenexa, set to open soon near KC Bier Co., and offering a variety of premium ice cream flavors and treats. Johnson County Post
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Olathe School District has reduced 27 district-level positions and cut some mental health roles as it plans to consolidate schools and address declining enrollment and a $22 million annual funding gap (which led to a $44 million fund transfer for special education). Johnson County Post
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Following a Kansas City mayor’s call for e-bike safety after seeing a teen ride on a sidewalk, Olathe officials highlight new rules (helmets are required for under-18 riders and sidewalk speeds are capped at 15 mph). Public information officer Cody Kennedy said education will begin before enforcement actions start. KCTV 5
- ➤ Lenexa firefighters are promoting the What3Words app to help reach people quickly in parks & crowded areas ahead of World Cup events next month. Fire Chief Travis Vaughn said the tool worked effectively during a recent park incident by guiding responders when cell signal was low. KSHB
- ➤ On May 11, the Olathe Planning Commission approved a preliminary site development plan for Gateway Landing, a 318-unit apartment project on a 26-acre site zoned for multifamily use since 2007. Residents remain concerned about traffic and privacy, and the city council will review the proposal soon. Johnson County Post
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Free E-Waste Drop-Off in Olathe
8 a.m.-2 p.m. — Household Hazardous Waste — Free service — Dispose of your electronic waste safely and help keep Olathe clean.
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Dino & Vino: A Unique Farm Experience
5-8 p.m. — KC Pumpkin Patch — Admission required — Enjoy an evening of wine and optional cow cuddling in a picturesque farm setting.
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Roars & Rainbows with Cow Cuddling
Select time slots — KC Pumpkin Patch — Cost dependent on cuddling session — Experience sweet snuggles and picture-perfect moments with gentle highland cows amidst a day of vibrant fun.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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