Sheriff

Civil Service Board Meeting

megan.johnson@jocogov.org — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:30:04 +0000

Civil Service Board Meeting megan.johnson@… Wed, 02/25/2026 - 13:30 December 16, 2026 - 08:30am December 16, 2026 - 11:00am

Administration Building

Hearing Room

Public Meetings

Civil Service Board

Sheriff

Civil Service Board Meeting

megan.johnson@jocogov.org — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:29:39 +0000

Civil Service Board Meeting megan.johnson@… Wed, 02/25/2026 - 13:29 September 23, 2026 - 08:30am September 23, 2026 - 11:00am

Administration Building

Hearing Room

Public Meetings

Civil Service Board

Sheriff

Civil Service Board Meeting

megan.johnson@jocogov.org — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:29:14 +0000

Civil Service Board Meeting megan.johnson@… Wed, 02/25/2026 - 13:29 June 17, 2026 - 08:30am June 17, 2026 - 11:00am

Administration Building

Hearing Room

Public Meetings

Civil Service Board

Sheriff

Civil Service Board Meeting

megan.johnson@jocogov.org — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:26:26 +0000

Civil Service Board Meeting megan.johnson@… Wed, 02/25/2026 - 13:26 March 17, 2026 - 08:30am March 17, 2026 - 05:00pm

Administration Building

Hearing Room

Public Meetings

Civil Service Board

Sheriff

Wanted: Volunteers in Johnson County

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:20:21 +0000

Wanted: Volunteers in Johnson County tim.phenicie@j… Mon, 02/16/2026 - 14:20

Johnson County truly appreciates volunteers. The just-concluded Best Times readers’ survey indicated 81% of respondents had an interest or even a strong interest in local volunteer opportunities.

Nine Johnson County departments/agencies annually rely on volunteers to provide a wide range of services/programs to benefit residents of all ages. Volunteers serve as mentors for veterans, help victims of abuse, become storm spotters, reshelve books and staff book sales or special events.

Johnson County Aging and Human Services always has a need for volunteers for its Home-Delivered Meals and Catch-a-Ride programs; for providing free unbiased health insurance counseling to help older adults understand their Medicare options; and hosting food drives to stock the food pantry shelves at the Gardner, Lenexa and Mission offices.

Volunteers can help clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Johnson County Development Supports, and with many activities at Johnson County Library, Johnson County Park and Recreation District and Johnson County Museum.

Volunteers are needed to plant a community garden, to protect the environment and support green initiatives by the Department of Health and Environment, and to become a vital part in the many programs and activities at the K-State Extension Service.

The list goes on.

Volunteering is a never-ending story. Opportunities are always present as long-time or current volunteers lose interest, move, grow older or face health challenges.

Based on 2025 data, Kansas is ranked 5th in the nation for formal volunteering through organizations. According to Volunteering and Civic Life in America research, approximately 903,000 Kansans participate in volunteer activities.

In 2025, 8,561 volunteers in Johnson County provided slightly more than 369,000 hours of community service to county government. Based on the national standard of a volunteer hour being worth $34.79, the volunteer work has a value of more than $12.8 million. A final report on JoCo volunteerism will be announced in April in celebration of National Volunteer Month and National Volunteer Week (April 19-25) with a 2026 theme of “Shining a Light on the People and Causes that Inspire Us to Serve.”

Some local volunteers and their worthwhile causes are showcased in this issue. All volunteers deserve our praise and thanks for what they do in helping others and their community service to county government and the Johnson County community.

April provides an opportunity to thank volunteers for giving so generously of themselves to meet the needs of our communities. National Volunteer Month/Week is also designed to raise awareness about the ever-growing need for increased volunteer efforts, and the fulfillment experienced by those who volunteer. It’s a never-ending gratitude.

Lend a helping hand in 2026.

Volunteer!

Staffing food pantries

Dave and Barb Dukes

Dave and Barb Dukes have been food pantry volunteers at the Lenexa office since 2020. Collectively, they have served nearly 800 volunteer hours.

The pantry, along with sites in Gardner and Mission, are operated by Johnson County Aging and Human Services. The pantries provide supplemental food and hygiene products. In 2025, 1,188 households were served by nine volunteers contributing 749 hours of community service.

“We like helping other people. We realize how blessed we are and we are reminded not to take it for granted.” – Barb Dukes

“This is one of a few volunteer jobs that we do. Barb volunteers with Jewish Family Services in their food pantry, and I also volunteer with Harvesters back-snack program delivering to 10 different schools across three school districts.” – Dave Dukes

Volunteering has many rewards for the couple who have been married 47 years. Both get as much as they give – and sometimes more.

“It depends on the day, a lot of times, we get to be the bright spot in someone’s day. Dave enjoys joking with them.” – Barb Dukes

“I do,” – David Dukes, admitting to being a jokester. “I am always trying to get them to take the sardines. I really like developing a rapport with them.”

In 2025, 827 volunteers provided 42,084 hours of community service to activities and programs by Aging and Human Services, including its Home-Delivered Meals program (page 13). To learn more about the Johnson County food pantries visit: jocogov.org/ahsfoodpantry.

Providing Library services

Beth Longmoor and Linn Speak

Linn Speak, right, has been connected to Johnson County Library all her life. She began volunteering at the Library in 2016 after retiring. Inspired by the welcoming Cedar Roe Branch Library community, she now serves at multiple library locations and helps patrons find books and resources.

“People sometimes come to the Library distracted or feeling down. I love helping them find something to turn their day around. So often, people are looking for kindness and connection, and I am glad to be in a situation and place that I can help create that sense of community.” — Linn Speak

Beth Longmoor, left, started volunteering in 2020 by distributing free COVID testing kits at Johnson County Library. She assists with special events like the Writers Conference, handling mailings, data entry and event hospitality.

“It’s rewarding and enjoyable. I do data entry, which helps keep my mind sharp in retirement. It’s nice to use the detailed, methodical part of my brain and to stay engaged and updated with new technology. I wanted to stay involved and connected. Volunteering gives me purpose and keeps me active.” – Beth Longmoor

In 2025, Friends of Johnson County Library had 863 volunteers who contributed 42,630 hours of service.

Mentoring veterans

Mike Ralls

Mike Ralls retired in 2015 as an Army Command Sergeant Major after 23 years of service spanning the Vietnam era through the Gulf War. Thirty-five years later, he joined the Johnson County Veterans Treatment Court program as a mentor for five years and has served as mentor coordinator since 2022.

Started in 2016, VTC is a specialized court, the first in Kansas, at the Johnson County Courthouse for selected veterans in the criminal justice system.

Mentors provide vet-to-vet support and camaraderie to engage, encourage and empower eligible veterans to change their lives.

“Mentoring veterans brought me back to what mattered most during my Army years, helping people who were struggling, needed direction or just needed someone steady in their corner. VTC gave me a way to use those experiences for something that truly mattered — supporting fellow veterans. I have learned that mentoring isn’t about fixing people — it’s about walking alongside them. VTC makes that possible, and I’m grateful to still be serving in a way that matters.” – Mike Ralls

Approximately 50 mentors have served in VTC in the past 10 years. Thirteen mentors provided more than 2,300 hours of community service in 2025.

Ralls also volunteers with Johnson County Emergency Management through its Emergency Communications Service, often called “storm spotters.” This group of trained amateur radio operators supports the National Weather Service during severe weather events. He has been a certified net controller (dispatcher) since 2022, helping coordinate communications during weather emergencies.

More information about Veterans Treatment Court and the role of a mentor is available at courts.jocogov.org/forms/VTC_Brochure.pdf.

Sharing master skills with others

Paula Dix, Mike Rafferty and Kim Handley

Volunteers at Johnson County Kansas State Extension Office serve in many ways. Paula Dix, an Extension Master Gardener since 2013, has volunteered at Johnson County Developmental Supports to share her love of gardening and expertise with residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“I help clients with special needs at JCDS find a connection with gardening through sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. I enjoy seeing the participants experience the joy plants bring while feeling successful in their community garden.” – Paula Dix

Mike Rafferty enjoys the outdoors, oversees natural resources and educates the public on environmental issues. He has been an Extension Master Naturalist since 2019 in partnering with the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.

“By working to remove invasive species as well as collecting and distributing native seeds, I help restore the biodiversity of our local woodlands at Ernie Miller Nature Center. I do this work to preserve our natural resources for future scientific discoveries and to ensure the community can enjoy the natural landscape in the park.” – Mike Rafferty

Since 2024, Kim Handley has been an Extension Master Food volunteer at Johnson County Corrections and other community nutrition initiatives. The program’s volunteers help deliver research-based food, nutrition and safety education throughout the county. One example she gives is:.

“Master Food volunteers provide a monthly nutrition education program to those in the JoCo Corrections 28-day re-entry program. I share information on how to adopt healthier eating habits and maximize their food budget. Learning these practical skills supports a successful transition into the next stage of their lives.” – Kim Handley

Volunteers also help with youth development through Extension 4-H programs; plan, plant, tend and staff the Sunset Community Garden in Olathe; participate in Family and Community Education; and volunteer with VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) during tax season. In 2025, 1,154 volunteers provided 96,205 hours of community service at these and other programs at Johnson County Kansas State Extension Office.

Delivering home meals

Larry Roos

Laurence (Larry) Roos, has been a Home-Delivered Meals program volunteer with Johnson County Aging and Human Services for three years, serving more than 400 hours delivering meals in Spring Hill.

“Volunteering for me is a continuation of a family tradition of service, with family members having served as teachers, nurses, a respiratory therapist, a firefighter, and in various roles at food kitchens. My wife and I began volunteering for Home Delivered Meals after our grandchildren became independent, leaving us with time to fill. We saw serving those in need as the perfect way to spend that time. As we delivered meals, we became deeply engaged with our recipients, coming to consider them friends. This close connection allows us to be attentive to their health needs and concerns.” –Larry Roos

In 2025, 665 volunteers in the program delivered 226,956 meals to eligible homebound residents.

“Personally, I derive great satisfaction from lifting some of the burden of food insecurity from the lives of so many people, and I will continue to do so for as long as I am able.” – Larry Roos

More information about the Home-Delivered Meals program at Aging and Human Services is available by calling 913-715-8861.

Showing raptors & showcasing talent

Bill Araujo is shown at the re-cent winter solstice program at the Ernie Miller Nature Center.

Bill Araujo, who will celebrate his 80th birthday in June, started as a parttime facilitator in 2007 for the Johnson County Park and Recreation District at TimberRidge Adventure Center, Olathe.

The following year, he began volunteering at Ernie Miller Nature Center, Olathe, in glove training the Great Horned Owl.

“I love presenting nature programs to all ages, working with the animals, especially the raptors, and helping with training others. Working with Ernie Miller’s very creative staff keeps me young.” – Bill Araujo

Each of JCPRD’s five departments, including Administrative Services, Culture, Parks and Golf Courses, Recreation, and Safety and Outdoor Education use volunteers to help keep facilities and programs running smoothly and to serve the Johnson County community to its fullest.

Volunteers greet guests. Some play an instrument. Others work with plants, drive a golf ball, run or care for animals.

“It’s the people. JCPRD is first class in all areas. The guests of all ages I come in contact with really seem to appreciate what we do by their constant words of thanks and smiles.” – Bill Araujo

Jenny Hines

Jenny Hines, 62, has volunteered at the Theatre in the Park program since 2021. She has participated as a singer and dancer in five outdoor shows in Shawnee Mission Park and one indoor show at the Arts & Heritage Center in Overland Park. In addition to acting, she regularly ushers for TIP’s indoor shows.

Her favorite role was playing Dorothy/Dottie in “Halftime: Gotta Dance” five years ago. That appearance was the first time she performed on stage since graduating from college in 1985.

“I really love all of the shows, but ‘How to Succeed in Business’ is a favorite!” – Jenny Hines

The 2026 TIP outdoor season begins May 22. “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” is scheduled from July 24 to Aug. 1. Hines plans to audition for a role. More information about TIP is available at theatreinthepark.org.

“The best people are with JCPRD. I took 36 years off acting, but now the kids have moved out, the pets have died and I’ve returned to the stage!” – Jenny Hines

In 2025, 3,961 volunteers provided 146,488 hours of community service to various JCPRD programs, events and activities, including Theatre in the Park.

Assisting law enforcement

Dean and Sarah Borchardt

Dean and Sarah Borchardt, who recently celebrated their 60th anniversary, have volunteered at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office for 11 years.

“During that time, we have helped train the new deputies. We help by doing different scenarios, from domestic violence, to sitting in a car and getting arrested for speeding, careless driving and many more, and the car never moves. We also help with filing and repairing the uniforms that the inmates at the jail damage. If there is a parade and the Sheriff Office is involved, we will be road guards.” – Dean and Sarah Borchardt

All volunteers come from the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy spanning 13 weeks with one 3-hour class each week.

“You will learn everything there is to know about how the department operates. This includes the classroom, doing a ride-along with a deputy. You will also go to the shooting range and take part in the driving course. After you complete all of this, you can now volunteer. There is not a finer group of men and women to be found anywhere. It is truly an honor to be allowed to work with them.” – the Borchardts

Volunteers are also used for mail couriers, scanning and shredding documents and maintaining records. In 2025, 25 volunteers provided 721.5 community hours of public service to the Sheriff’s Office. Application for the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy is accessible at jocogov.jotform.com/232925385669067.

Cooking with juveniles

Gloria Burk

Gloria Burk, who recently celebrated her 85th birthday, has volunteered at the Johnson County Department of Corrections since 2013.

“I coordinate a team of eight volunteers from Blue Valley Church. Two volunteers rotate each Saturday to meet with interested youth from JDC (Juvenile Detention Center). We help them cook a simple meal which they enjoy preparing and then eating. We call our session Cooking with the King. We teach basic cooking skills while we enjoy getting acquainted with and encouraging these young people. We then share a simple Christian lesson and encourage them to share prayer requests. We enjoy our time with these youth and appreciate the opportunity to do so. We feel blessed and hope they feel encouraged.” – Gloria Burk

Volunteers complement departmental services by providing additional support and encouragement that strengthens client progress and supports a successful transition back into the community.

In 2025, 156 volunteers provided 3,505 hours of community service to the department’s programs.

JCDHE, Sheriff's Office urge e-wheel safety ahead of holidays

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:21:46 +0000

JCDHE, Sheriff's Office urge e-wheel safety ahead of holidays tim.dodderidge… Thu, 12/18/2025 - 09:21 December 18, 2025

With the rising popularity of electric rideables—and with the holiday season approaching—the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office are reminding families to keep safety top of mind when it comes to e-scooters, e-bikes and e-motos.

“These devices can make fun gifts for the appropriate age group, but they can travel at high speeds and pose serious injury risks, especially to kids and teens,” said Charlie Hunt, Director of the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment. “We want families to enjoy the holidays safely.”

What Parents Need to Know

Kids 10–15 are five times more likely to crash on an e-bike than other age groups.
Injuries can include concussions, broken bones and long-term trauma—even with a helmet.
E-wheels can be modified to exceed legal speed limits, increasing danger.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children under 16 should not operate or ride e-scooters, e-bikes and e-motos.

Safety First

Use a certified helmet, obey traffic laws and ride predictably.
One rider per machine—no passengers.
Avoid distractions like earbuds or phones while riding.
Practice in a safe, car-free space before riding in public areas.

“These devices require more responsibility than many people realize,” said Sheriff Byron Roberson. “Know the laws, wear safety gear and talk with your kids before they ride.”

For full safety guidance, visit this webpage.

Department:

Health

Health and Environment

Sheriff

Category:

News Releases

First Responder Awareness Program

Valerie.Swiderski@jocogov.org — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:36:09 +0000

First Responder Awareness Program Valerie.Swider… Thu, 12/04/2025 - 12:36

The Johnson County Sheriff's Office participates in the First Responder Awareness Program, sometimes also referred to as the "Blue Envelope Program". It's a nationwide initiative designed to support safer, more positive interactions between law enforcement and neurodivergent individuals.

What is the Blue Envelope for?

The Blue Envelope Program is designed to help individuals with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other neurodivergent conditions communicate more effectively with law enforcement. These tools aim to reduce misunderstandings and promote calm, respectful interactions. The program provides:

Blue Envelope: to store copies of important documents in their vehicle like a driver’s license, registration, and a contact card with communication tips for officers.

Mental Health Card: to keep in their wallet. Includes their name, address, a reason they may need help, and contact info for their family members, guardians, friends, etc.

First Responder Awareness decal stickers are available for individuals to display at their residence. Placing the sticker on your residence will help first responders with the following:

Individuals may display unpredictable/unexpected movement which may be misinterpreted as a threat.
Individuals may display a lack of eye contact which may be misinterpreted as avoidance or non-engagement.
A lack of verbal response to questions by first responders, which may be misinterpreted as noncompliance or defiance.
Individuals may pull away from first responders, who might need to physically redirect someone in the performance of their duties, which may be misinterpreted as resistance or failing to comply.

Important Reminders

We believe this program will enhance our ability to serve all community members more effectively, but there are a few important points to keep in mind.

Please affix the decal as close as possible to the door’s locking mechanism, ensuring it is clearly visible to first responders

This decal is intended to increase awareness and understanding—it is not an exemption from legal responsibilities. All residents are still expected to comply with the law.

In certain situations, first responders may still need to use appropriate safety measures, including reasonable responses to resistance, to protect everyone on scene.

While all first responders are being trained to recognize and understand this decal, personnel from other agencies or jurisdictions may not yet be familiar with its meaning.

Participating in the Program

Residents wanting an envelope for themselves, friends or family members, can obtain them at the following locations:

588 E. Santa Fe Suite 2000 Olathe, KS 66061

27747 W. 159th St. New Century, KS 66031

If you have any further questions or difficulty obtaining an envelope in person, you may email us to request a kit.

For Residents

Valerie.Swiderski@jocogov.org — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:08:35 +0000

For Residents Valerie.Swider… Thu, 12/04/2025 - 12:08

Explore the range of services, resources, and community programs provided by and available to residents of Johnson County. This page provides quick access to available programs and highlights ways you can stay involved and connected.

Car Seat Inspections

Firearms Safety

First Responder Awareness Program

Johnson County prohibits large truck traffic on rural roads near Spring Hill

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:46:46 +0000

Johnson County prohibits large truck traffic on rural roads near Spring Hill tim.dodderidge… Fri, 11/07/2025 - 09:46 November 7, 2025

After traffic studies, a recommendation from the County Engineer and review by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Board of County Commissioners has prohibited truck traffic along the following roads in the unincorporated part of the county (near Spring Hill), where several documented truck crashes have occurred.

Vine Street, beginning at 198th Street then south to 199th Street
Chestnut Street, beginning at 198th Street then south to 199th Street
Main Street, beginning at 198th Street then south to 199th Street
198th Street, beginning at Vine Street then east to Main Street
199th Street, beginning at Vine Street then east to Main Street

Both the traffic studies and Sheriff’s Office review determined these roads are not suitable for trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 16,000 pounds or greater. These roads are too narrow with no outlet and no place to turn around.

The resolution will allow an exception for local trucks, emergency vehicles, agricultural vehicles and road maintenance vehicles. Large trucks are allowed on 199th Street, east of US-169 Highway, which is adjacent to this area.

State law requires that the BOCC authorize the installation of regulatory traffic control signs such as stop signs, yield signs, speed limits, no-parking signs and truck weight limits. Enforcement will begin on a road as soon as “No truck” signs have been posted.

Similar action was taken by the BOCC in December 2022 with unincorporated roads near the city of Gardner. You can learn more about Johnson County’s no-truck routes on this webpage.

Department:

Board of County Commissioners

Public Works

Sheriff

Category:

News Releases

10 Things to consider to avoid scams this holiday season and all year long

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 14:54:24 +0000

10 Things to consider to avoid scams this holiday season and all year long tim.phenicie@j… Mon, 10/20/2025 - 09:54

By Keri O'Brien

Scammers have plenty of opportunities to target even the most cautious among us, especially during the holidays. Whether you are busy shopping for gifts, donating to charity or connecting with loved ones, these cons can happen to anyone and may ruin a joyful season. Here are ten questions to consider to protect yourself from common scams.

1. Who is this from? Are they who they say they are?

The first clue that something is not quite right is often the “from” line on an email, text message, phone call or social media post. Check the sender’s information, as spoofing schemes may look like they come from familiar businesses, organizations, charities or nonprofits. They could even intentionally imitate the accounts or use AI to “clone” the voices of people you know. Contact the person or organization directly using trusted contact info. Remember, it’s OK to hang up when unsure.

2. What are some common examples of these scams?

Criminals often target seniors or family members of justice-involved individuals. Be on the lookout!

Medicare will never call to ask for money or personal details over the phone. If you are in doubt, hang up and call Medicare directly using the number on your official card.

It’s important to know that the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office does NOT request money, donations or payment of bonds or fees over the phone. Bonding is handled through the courts, and any payments should go through proper court channels. The Sheriff’s Office will contact people with an active warrant. However, we will not collect money over the phone. If you get a call like this, hang up and call the Warrants Division directly at 913-715-5212.

3. Is the message what I expect from them?

If the message feels out of character, it is worth taking a moment to assess before taking any action. Reach out using another trusted contact method to ensure the message is actually coming from them.

4. Should I be sharing this information?

Always be cautious when asked to share personal information from an unsolicited email, text or phone call. Phishing scams aim to trick users into sharing their personal information. Scammers will use public information or previously compromised data to make sharing more information seem legitimate and safe, but don’t be fooled by a fake website.

5. Why is it so urgent?

Scammers use a false sense of urgency to trick people into ignoring obvious red flags about what they are asking you to do. That “Limited time only!” deal can wait until you fully understand the terms. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is! Slow down and think through everything before making quick decisions, whether it is the perfect present or an urgent but unexpected bill notice.

Similarly, be suspicious if you get a pop-up warning that your computer has been infected with a virus. Close your browser window and never call the number provided; only use reliable contact information.

6. Where does this link go?

Scammers know that you may be expecting online orders or holiday messages and they use this to their advantage by sending links to collect more of your information, disguised as messages you expect about shipping information or coupons. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or scanning QR codes on unexpected packages, as they could be part of a brushing scam.

7. Does this payment method feel safe?

Credit cards offer layers of security against fraud and allow buyers to dispute a charge if they didn’t get what they purchased. Stick with payment options you use regularly rather than less common and traceable options, such as buying gift cards for someone else, cryptocurrency, wire transfer or instant transfer apps.

8. What are some ways I can keep my accounts more secure?

Use multi-factor authentication. Adding those extra steps to the process, like sending a code to your phone, email or authenticator app, make it more difficult for scammers to gain access to your accounts with a stolen password.

Regularly check your bank and credit card statements. If you notice any unauthorized activity, it is always better to find it quickly so that you can act to protect yourself and report it.

9. How do I help people in my life avoid scams?

If you want to protect family and friends from being taken advantage of by scammers, discuss common scams with them, like phishing, spoofing and brushing scams. Share some tips in this article, and make sure they feel comfortable talking to you about this topic, so they don’t feel the need to hide when they have been scammed.

10. What are some local resources?

Sheriff’s Office

To report a scam, you can reach out to the nonemergency line at 913-782-0720 or contact the Investigation Unit at 913-715-5560.
The House Watch program offers extra eyes on your home while you are away for the holidays. To request a House Watch in areas the Sheriff’s Office already patrols, call 913-782-0720.
The Community Camera Partnership allows residents to register their home security cameras with the Sheriff’s office to help crime investigators in their area. Learn more at jocogov.org/community-camera-partnership

District Attorney’s Office

The Consumer Protection Unit aims to educate consumers and address complaints. Learn more at jocogov.org/consumer-protection. Consumer Fraud Hotline: 913-715-3003.