When it comes to emergency communications, this Johnson County center wins top honor
Johnson County Emergency Communications Center has been recognized as an Accredited Center of Excellence for emergency medical dispatching by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. The accreditation is the highest distinction given to emergency communication centers, certifying that the center is performing at or above the established industry standards.
Centers that earn this status are examples of dispatch done right, and have demonstrated strong local oversight, rigorous quality processes and a commitment to data-driven improvement. The Johnson County center initially achieved this accreditation in 2020. This is its first re-accreditation. The center serves an area of approximately 1,070 square miles in Johnson and Miami counties. It dispatches calls for all fire agencies within Johnson County, as well as all EMS calls for Med-Act and Miami County EMS.
Olathe schools seeking board member
Olathe Public Schools Board of Education is seeking applications to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education following the resignation of LeEtta Felter. The applicant appointed by the board will serve the remainder of the District 1, Position 1 term, which ends on the second Monday of January 2024. For more information about the application process, go to olatheschools.org/BOE.
Gardner Edgerton School District principal honored
Sunflower Elementary School Principal Jason Jones has been recognized as the Area I Elementary School Principal of the Year by the Kansas Principal Association, an organization of more than 700 Kansas school principals. Jones was nominated and selected by peer principals. Candidates are evaluated on their school leadership, school improvement, dedication, professionalism and service to students. This recognition marks the third time in four years that a Gardner Edgerton School District principal has won this prestigious award.
Burn permits suspended for April in OP
The Overland Park Fire Department will not issue burn permits in April in order to improve air quality. Spring is burning season in the open grasslands of Kansas. This process restores the health of native grasses, but can result in elevated ozone levels in downwind areas, including Overland Park.
Kansas regulations prohibit burning non-pasture grasslands. The ban does not apply to small cooking and recreational fires, which do not require a burn permit.
For more information about fire permits, go to www.opkansas.org, click on city services and search fire permits.
Homeowner assistance comes to Roeland Park
The city of Roeland Park has partnered with Habitat for Humanity in Kansas City to provide $100,000 in homeowner assistance to new and existing Roeland Park residents. Residents and potential home buyers can apply for up to $10,000 toward critical home repairs or down payment assistance. Projects will be selected on funding availability and scope of work. Funding is limited. Project applications will be accepted through June 30, 2024, or until $100,000 in assistance is reached. For more information about the program, go to habitatkc.org/roelandparkpartnership.
Free day at community center in Merriam
The Merriam Community Center will offer a free admission day on April 7 to Merriam residents. Proof of residency is required. Among the amenities available are basketball and pickleball courts, an indoor track, a pool and treadmills. Classes are not included. The center is located at 6040 Slater St., Merriam. For more information about the center, call 913-322-5550 or go to www.merriam.org and search for community center.
Mission recognized for its trees
The city of Mission has been recognized as a Tree City USA city for the 21st year and received the Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating environmental improvement and an outstanding level of tree care. For more information about Tree City USA, go to arborday.org/programs/treecityusa.
