Olathe City Council honors Mayor's Fund members and launches community food drive

The Olathe City Council convened on April 1, 2025, to address various community matters, including recognition of local initiatives and upcoming events. The meeting began with a heartfelt acknowledgment of Trans Day of Visibility, emphasizing inclusivity within the community.

Councilmember Felter highlighted the significant contributions of the Olathe Mayor Children's Fund Board, noting the departure of five long-serving members who collectively contributed over 47 years of service. The board's recent efforts included distributing $1,715,000 in monetary and in-kind donations this year, bringing their total raised to $2.2 million. Felter encouraged high school students to engage with the board's initiatives.

Further, Felter commended the efforts of Mike Serna and his team for successfully bringing library services to two new senior living communities, showcasing the city's commitment to serving all residents.

The council also recognized the hard work of Olathe's municipal judges, Katie McElhaney and Jill Kinney, during an executive session dedicated to their annual review. Councilmember Vakas expressed gratitude towards the police department for their ongoing efforts to maintain safety in the community.

City Manager Michael Wilkes shared updates on upcoming events, including the Celebrate Olathe Spring Fling on April 18, which will feature activities for families. He also announced the Mayor's Community Food Drive, aimed at addressing food insecurity among children during the summer months, with donation events scheduled for April 12 and April 29.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the importance of community involvement and support for local initiatives, reinforcing Olathe's commitment to its residents.