Hey hey Olathe! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Today's riddle: What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Olathe Schools awarded $1.9 million federal grant for Head Start programs (fox4kc.com) — Olathe Public Schools just secured a $1.9 million federal Head Start grant that could significantly expand early education and care for local families. The funding, announced by Rep. Sharice Davids, is aimed at boosting school readiness, long‑term graduation rates, and social‑emotional development for young children in the district. Local parents of preschoolers may see more affordable, higher‑quality options soon.
2. Shawnee Mission, Olathe schools face federal enforcement action over transgender student policies (johnsoncountypost.com) — Olathe Public Schools is facing federal enforcement action over its handling of transgender student records, with the U.S. Department of Education now focusing on alleged FERPA violations tied to parental notification. District leaders insist they follow state and federal law and have rejected the investigation's findings, even after earlier signing — and then having rejected — a resolution agreement. The outcome could affect millions in federal funding and how Olathe schools communicate with parents.
3. MNU Plans 90-Credit Public Service Leadership Bachelor's Degree (mnu.edu) — Olathe's own public safety agencies helped MidAmerica Nazarene University design a new 90‑credit online Public Service Leadership bachelor's degree aimed at working police, fire, EMS and government professionals. The program grants credit for prior training, focuses on leadership and management skills, and is now awaiting final approval from the Higher Learning Commission.
4. Exclusive-Hack of water sector supplier draws FBI scrutiny as Iran-linked cyber concerns grow (ground.news) — A small water-technology company based in Olathe has become the focus of an FBI investigation after a ransomware group allegedly stole hundreds of thousands of files, raising alarms about national water and wastewater cybersecurity. Micro-Comm, which makes control systems used by utilities across the country, was reportedly hit in late July, prompting password changes and federal scrutiny. The incident underscores how a local firm's breach could ripple far beyond Johnson County.
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Ok Olathe! 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: A jeweler sells watches and a jailer watches cells. (Thank you Jean D. for sending it in!)
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