Johnson County Mental Health Center, stretched to limit, to add 21 new employees

The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners has approved 21 additional employees for the Johnson County Mental Health Center. The new positions will be funded by the contract revenues through Medicaid established by the prospective payment system rate negotiated between Johnson County Mental Health Center and the State of Kansas.

The center will add eight case managers for adult services; three case managers for children and family services; four clinicians; a quality and integrity clinical specialist; two team leaders for case management; a prevention manager who will help staff manage suicide prevention, substance use prevention and mental health promotion efforts; a staff development coordinator who will organize and facilitate staff training; and an emergency services team leader who will help staff with hospital screenings and other clinical assessments.

“Mental health is an important public service of Johnson County,” Chairman Ed Eilert said in a prepared release.

“Our mental health staff has been stretched to the limit with increased demand for mental health services. Our Mental Health Center needs this staffing help to expand its support in providing important mental health programs that directly help individuals and families in great need and strengthen the mental health wellness of our community.”

Holiday tree recycling still available

Trees are being accepted for recycling at four park sites in Johnson County through Jan. 31.

The locations: The Theatre in the Park, 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee (just north of the main entrance of Shawnee Mission Park); Heritage Park, 16000 Pflumm Road, Olathe (marina parking lot); Kill Creek Park, 11670 Homestead Lane, Olathe (marina parking lot); and Big Bull Creek Park, 20425 Sunflower Road, Edgerton.

The parks’ winter hours are 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., except at Shawnee Mission Park, which opens at 6 a.m. Only natural trees will be accepted. Wrappers and decorations need to be removed. There is no charge for the disposal of trees and the program is open to anyone regardless of residency. For more information, call 913-888-4713.

Olathe’s free meal program winter schedule

The city’s free meal program will be operating under winter hours through Feb. 27. Grab-and-go meals for individuals 18 and under will be available Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the First Christian Church, 200 E. Loula.

On school days, the program will operate from 3 to 4:30 p.m., and on half days or no school days (not including snow days) it will operate from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The meal program is closed on Olathe Public Schools’ snow days. Parents, guardians and babysitters may pick up meals.

Gardner gets award for its interchange work

The City of Gardner has received the Public Improvement Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies, Kansas Chapter, for the upgrades to the interchange at Interstate 35 and Gardner Road.

The $4.7 million improvement project included the realignment of 191st Street; the creation of a new signalized intersection at 188th Street and Gardner Road; improvements to turn lanes; and the addition of turn lanes and traffic signals at the intersection ramps. These enhancements were designed to help to streamline traffic flows, increase safety and prepare for growth.

Sample yoga by the fireside in Lenexa

Lenexa’s Rec Center, at 17201 W 87th St.Parkway, will be hosting a Fireplace Yoga for those 16 years and older from 7 to 8 p.m.Jan. 13. The session will focus on a progression of beginner yoga poses, as well as more dynamic poses and postures. The session is free and requires no membership or registration. Space is limited and attendees must bring their own yoga mat.

Turn the pages in Roeland Park

The Cedar Roe Library, at 5120 Cedar St. in Roeland Park, will hold its American Girl Book Club from 6 to 7 p.m.Jan. 17. This book club is designed to help children learn more about American history. The club is designed for ages 8 through 12. It meets at the library’s Question Desk. The club will also meet at the same time on Feb. 21, March 21 and April 18. A limited number of free books are available one month before the session.

Preview trips from Shawnee Parks

The Shawnee Parks and Recreation department will be holding its travel showcase previews this month. The trips are designed for people 50 years of age and older.

Preview programs of upcoming trips will be held from 9 to 11 a.m.Jan. 24 at the Sylvester Powell Community Center , and from 1 to 3 p.m.Jan 24 at the Shawnee Civic Center.

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