Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What policy clash pushed JoCo’s election chief out the door?

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Morning Overland Park! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What policy clash pushed JoCo’s election chief out the door?
  • Why Overland Park police swarmed local Catholic schools Friday morning
  • How Shawnee Mission students helped Overland Park fully staff its pools

Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Overland Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high of 49 and low of 27 degrees.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 46, low: 36.
  • Monday: Partly sunny, with a high of 56 and low of 42 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Johnson County's top election official resigns abruptly, saying he was forced out (kcur.org) — Johnson County’s top election official has abruptly resigned after saying he was given a choice to quit or be fired, a change that directly affects how Overland Park’s elections are run. Fred Sherman, who once worked in Overland Park planning roles, cites an undisclosed policy dispute with Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab as the reason for his departure.
   

Find out what's happening in Overland Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2. Overland Park investigates ‘swatting' calls impacting several Kansas schools (kctv5.com) — Overland Park police rushed to several Catholic schools Friday after bomb threats that investigators now say were swatting calls with no credible danger. Officers, the FBI, and local agencies are working to find whoever is behind the hoaxes, which officials warn waste taxpayer resources and heighten anxiety for parents and students across Kansas.
   

3. SMSD News: Real world learning for every age and every stage (johnsoncountypost.com) — Shawnee Mission students are teaming up with the City of Overland Park on real-world projects, from solving a lifeguard shortage that kept public pools closed to crafting interpretive signs for the new Bietigheim-Bissingen Park. Across grade levels, the district is emphasizing hands-on learning that builds confidence, collaboration, and marketable credentials for local kids’ futures.
   

4. Children's Mercy Night Lights brightens holiday season for young patients (kctv5.com) — A young Overland Park boy recovering from surgery was among the patients watching as police cars, fire trucks, ambulances and even a light-wrapped K-9 parade circled Children’s Mercy Hospital to brighten their holiday week. The Night Lights event, now in its fourth year, brought Santa, the Grinch and first responders from across the metro to give isolated kids a joyful distraction.
   

5. Community security director Chuck Green to retire (kcjc.com) — Jewish Kansas City’s longtime community security director Chuck Green is retiring after nine years of behind-the-scenes work strengthening protections at local Jewish institutions. He’ll be succeeded by Simon Happer, a former Overland Park deputy police chief, who will continue coordinating with law enforcement and the Secure Community Network to keep area facilities safe and welcoming.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • New “Amazon” fraud.
    Received a message from “Amazon” saying my account has been frozen due to someone who “knows my password” trying to fraudulently use my account and… (Nextdoor Friends and Neighbors)
  • I need a handyman that does a good job and cleans up after him/her self.
    I’ve hired several and am yet to find someone who does everything correctly. I’m not pickie but most people seem to cut corners. (Two people… (Nextdoor Melrose Reserve)
  • Hilton posted a job opening for Room Attendant - DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kansas City Overland Park in Overland Park. Apply here.
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Janitorial Associate in Overland Park. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Overland Park here.

Ok Overland Park! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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