Good morning, Olathe.

Olathe native Chad Stacy (a veteran whose organ donation saved 157 lives) will be honored on a Rose Parade float on New Year's Day.

The event will feature 29 tributes to celebrate his legacy and encourage community members to register as organ donors.

Olathe’s top-read stories of 2025 highlighted major local developments, traffic projects, and business updates that captured community interest.

The list covers plans for an ultra-accessible entertainment district, significant road upgrades, and more+ showcasing the city’s evolving landscape.

In 2025, Olathe experienced major events as the Chiefs came to town, a cold storage facility was approved amid debate, and a new city manager was hired.

These top stories marked key moments in the community over the year.

Mayor John Bacon said the Chiefs are eyeing Olathe sites for a new headquarters and practice facility as part of a development with an entertainment district including offices, restaurants, hotels & a school stadium; the project will bring 20,000 construction jobs, $4.4B investment, and 4,000 jobs after completion.

Volunteers and students at DeLaSalle Education Center began building a new learning farm in late October — finished raised garden beds were loaded Tuesday morning from a local workshop and will be used this spring to plant fruits and vegetables to provide free food and fight food insecurity.

Johnson County Library's report shows that a diverse mix of genres was popular in 2025 with titles like The Women topping adult checkouts and series like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Hunger Games leading for younger readers (the report underscores a community-wide interest in varied literature).

CDC data shows Missouri cases are very high and Kansas cases are high while hospitals near Kansas City see a surge in flu patients.

The University of Kansas Health System treated over 50 patients this month (including both adults and children) as flu numbers continue to rise.

Local urgent care centers in the metro area reported a 33% positive flu test rate (up from 2-3% weeks ago) as holiday gatherings spurred a surge ahead of the New Year.

Health experts advise residents to use disinfecting wipes and seek prompt treatment if symptoms develop.

Kansas City Boat and Fishing Show

12 PM – 4 PM — Bartle Hall — $13.75 adults, free for children under 16 — Discover an extensive range of boats and fishing gear with expert tips and family-friendly activities.

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.