What’s new in JoCo? Rebates and grants for residents, a new mayor for Roeland Park

Low-income and senior residents in Shawnee can now apply for help through its 2023 rebates. These rebates are awarded to help on bills including storm water, property tax, gas and electric bill and landline telephone bill.

To qualify for a low-income rebate, a resident needs to live and own a home, be up to date on property taxes and special assessments, and meet the HUD Very Low Income Guidelines for the entire household. To qualify for a senior rebate, a resident must be 62 or older and, for the landline telephone rebate, have landline telephone bills. Applications must be completed by April 28 and all rebates will be awarded at the City Clerk’s desk at City Hall, 11110 Johnson Drive. For a qualifications and required documents, go to www.cityofshawnee.org/rebates.

New Roeland Park mayor

Michael Poppa has been appointed mayor of Roeland Park. Poppa, the Ward 4 council member, is filling the vacant seat left by Mike Kelly, who has become chairman of the Johnson County Board of Commissioners. Poppa will serve as mayor until the next regularly scheduled election in November. Poppa’s open council seat will be filled by application and appointment with ratification by the city council. The person appointed will also serve until November with the option to run to fill the unexpired term. If interested, fill out an application at www.roelandpark.org/FormCenter/Volunteering-8/Committee-Volunteer-Form-48

Celebrating Kansas Day

A family-friendly celebration for Kansas Day will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Johnson County Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park. The event will include live music, games and birthday cake.

Grants for Merriam residents

The Merriam City Council has approved $560,000 in new and existing grants designed to help residents financially. The new grants will include helping eligible homeowners pay for small home improvement projects to assist with code violations and other projects; a free Energy-Saving Kit available in early May; and a free tree for every Merriam household. For information for existing grants, go to www.merriam.org/Services/Apply-for-a-Grant.

OP Convention Center wins award

Exhibitor magazine has named the Overland Park Convention Center the 2023 Best Small Convention Center in North America. This is the fourth year the center has won the category.

Overland Park Convention Center has won in Exhibitor magazine’s special awards category since the awards inception four years ago. The recognition also considers criteria categorized into five primary areas: facility and functionality, location and accommodations, service and execution, expansion and upgrades, and awards and industry participation.

“This facility has proven their ability to host trade shows and events of all shapes and sizes while providing world-class service and state-of-the-art accommodations,” Exhibitor editor Travis Stanton said in a prepared statement.

Gardner accepting seasonal job applications

Gardner Parks and Recreation is now taking seasonal applications for the 2023 spring/summer season. Applications are due by Feb. 1. Staff will be hired for positions at the Gardner Aquatic Center, Celebration Park and seasonal maintenance of other Gardner parks and facilities. Only online applications are available. If you do not have access to apply online, please visit the Parks and Recreation counter inside City Hall. For questions, call 913-856-0936. To apply, go to https://www.gardnerkansas.gov, click on government, departments and divisions, human-resources then employment opportunities.

Daddy Daughter event to be held in Leawood

The Leawood Parks Recreation Department is hosting a “Daddy Daughter Date Night” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at The Lodge of Ironwoods Park, 14701 Mission Road.

The cost is $45 per couple for residents ($12 per additional daughter) and $55 per couple for nonresidents ($14 per additional daughter). Activities include movie theater-style snacks and dancing to a DJ. Attendees are encourage to dress as cartoon duos. To register, go to web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/ksleawoodwt.wsc/splash or call 913-663-9154. Registration deadline is Jan. 30.