The Johnson County Commission voted Thursday to approve nearly $4 million in federal funding to go toward services to help people experiencing homelessness and prevention efforts. Commissioners voted 5-1 to accept a grant of about $3.97 million from the American Rescue Plan to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, which the county will have 10 years to spend. Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara voted against the measure, and Commissioner Janée Hanzlick was absent. For the last decade, Rita Carr, the director of community planning with United Community Services, or UCS, of Johnson County, said the number of people experiencing homelessness, staying [...]

Three weeks ago, 51-year-old Caroline Kill was pulled from a fiery crash in Leawood by first responders, a dramatic rescue that was caught on a police officers body camera. At a City Council meeting on Monday, Leawood leaders honored her rescuers for their bravery and saving Kill’s life. “They are heroes,” said Martha Gage Elton, Kill’s mother. The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Tomahawk Creek trailhead parking lot at 117th Street and Tomahawk Creek Parkway, near the Leawood Police Department. Source: KC Star Local News

A bicyclist is suing the City of Olathe for $75,000 after crashing on a city trail, according to documents filed in Johnson County District Court earlier this month. According to court documents, Joyce Coker-Dreier was riding her bike along Meadow Lane Trail in September 2021. While riding, Coker-Dreier said she encountered a stretch of wet payment. Even after slowing down, she said her bike fell immediately because “the City allowed algae, mud, and/or other substances to accumulate” on the concrete, making it “extremely slick,” the documents allege. ... Coker-Dreier is suing Olathe on four counts of liability and negligence-related claims. She [...]

If you own a pet, you know the drill. You properly license the dog or cat before receiving a tag that’s good for one year. That’s the easy part. Then comes the epic struggle to replace the old tag with the new one on the animal’s collar. It may take pliers or fingernails of steel, if you can get the dang things to move at all. But with a new licensing procedure that will take effect in January, Overland Park hopes fewer people will be growling in frustration. And the city will save some money, too. Pet owners will now receive [...]

After a public outcry, the Prairie Village City Council has gone on record against putting duplexes, apartments and other multi-family developments in single-family residential areas as part of an affordable housing strategy. Signs had gone up around the city protesting recommendations from an ad hoc committee tasked with finding ways to diversify Prairie Village’s housing stock so more people can afford to live there. Council member Piper Reimer said residents are concerned that regulations might be changed “in a way that would allow the developer or builder to come in and potentially take down the house next door to you and [...]

The sprawling suburb of Overland Park is best known for its family-friendly atmosphere, celebrated schools and sweeping residential neighborhoods. But residents told The Star that there’s also plenty for visitors to do in this large municipality. The attractions range from an award-winning farmers market to a lush botanical garden complete with a sparkling lake. A favorite hiking, biking and dining spot of citydwellers and suburbanites alike, OP has something for every member of the family. Source: KC Star Local News

The Shawnee city manager announced Sept. 26 that he’ll resign at the beginning of November, according to his resignation letter which says he and the city council disagree on a “path and vision for the future” for the city. Nolan Sunderman, who started as assistant city manager in 2016 and was promoted to city manager in 2018, said he will start a new job in public service later this year. His last day will be Nov. 1. During his tenure, Sunderman worked to create two major city development plans that sought to prioritize diverse housing options, thriving businesses and inclusive communities [...]

Lenexa leaders held a groundbreaking on Sept. 13, the ceremonial start of construction on the city’s new Justice Center at Prairie Star Parkway and Britton Street. Completion is expected in the spring of 2024. “Our organization has needed a new facility for a significant amount of time. Setting aside the obvious deteriorating necessities such as air conditioning and plumbing, we need a space that will better allow our personnel to complete their work efficiently,” Police Sgt. Curtis Weber said. “On top of that, the police department needs to be a facility that is inviting and engaging for the community. Our current [...]

The Overland Park City Council unanimously passed a policy to regulate partying, particularly at short-term rentals, following a fatal shooting in March at an Overland Park property. Council members voted unanimously in favor of the nuisance party ordinance, which regulates gatherings of five or more people that leads to noise complaints, unlawful alcohol or drug use, assault or battery, property damage and littering among other factors. The ordinance would allow officers to cite individuals for criminal conduct and for failing to leave a party once instructed. Source: KC Star Local News

The Johnson County Board of Commissioners voted Thursday to recommend a plan that would increase pay for incoming sheriff deputies. After a presentation on a loss of deputies at the sheriff’s office, commissioners voted 4-2, with one absent, to recommend the staff consider a proposal from human resources to increase the minimum and maximum potential salaries of sheriff’s deputies with an annual planned increase in pay. The sheriff’s office, which employs just over 500 deputies along with civilian employees, pushed for salary increases after experiencing a higher vacancy rate than normal. There are 69 deputy vacancies in the office, according to [...]