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Employees now have the opportunity to strengthen their health and wellbeing, all while enjoying the best of what Olathe has to offer! Effective immediately, employees can enjoy the following:

• Olathe Community Center Membership Discount
• Parks & Rec Activity Discount
• Parks & Rec Facility Rentals
• Daily Admissions Discounts

Thank you to all who worked to make these benefits possible! The full details can be found inside the Knowledge Library.

It simply wouldn’t be Christmas dinner at the Kurkowski household without a little wastewater talk. For Wastewater Treatment Superintendent Anthony Kurkowski, his work isn’t just a professional passion, but a family affair. Originally a journalism major, this was never the plan, but I guess you could say there was just something in the water.

It all began in 1990-something, when Anthony was finishing high school. A seasonal employee for Olathe, he worked doing line maintenance, and frankly didn’t think much of it. His father, Tim Kurkowski, had worked in wastewater for the City of Olathe since 1984, and plant tours and shop talk were simply the norm.

So off he went to the KU, where he developed a passion for history. Deeply fascinated by contributions and lessons derived from the past, it’s only fitting that his career path became an extension of just that.

Anthony's full story can be read on Workplace.

Designer might not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of an economy director, but Jamie Robichaud’s journey tells a different story. Self-described as stubborn and curious, like a true artist, Jamie craves the whole picture and has the tenacity to not just see it but create her own masterpiece.

Jamie first connected with the City of Olathe in 2012, when she worked for Susan Sherman as an intern, during the second year of her master’s in public administration (MPA) program at KU. Her rotations included the City Managers Office, human resources and the budget team and laid the groundwork for the endless possibilities a career in local government can hold.

Upon graduation, she accepted a full-time role as a (then) Public Works communications analyst, managing their social media content, collaborating on a key street maintenance sales tax initiative, and even implementing the notorious Olathe Trash Day app. Intrigued by the operational sides of things, Jamie dug in and on her own time, taught herself the ins and outs of finance.

Jamie's full story can be read on Workplace.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Tina Turner. The Pope. The Olathe Fourth of July Fireworks show. All of these productions have one common thread stringing them together, and his name is Chris Stewart. One might even say he's the man behind the magic.

For nearly 3 decades, Chris has poured himself into putting on productions that keep people coming back for more, a talent that the City of Olathe has been able to harness for the last 7 years. With Program Coordinator Chris at the helm, our City has become known for our first-rate events.

If you live in Olathe, you have likely enjoyed his work. This could mean that you've bought fresh produce at the Farmer's Market, been spooked at the Trick-or-Treat Trail, had a finger-licking good time at the Qlathe barbeque competition, or exclaimed with wonderment while watching the annual Fourth of July Fireworks. In fact, you might have attended many of the 40 events that Chris plans and executes each year.

Chris' full story can be read on Workplace.

All-employee TEAM Training is well underway. Here's a look at one participant's experience:

"I must say I am a bit of an introvert; I am not comfortable in these situations. However, by the end of this training, I felt very comfortable and happy to have met so many new people!" -Animal Care and Control Manager Vickie Hudson 

Talk to your supervisor if you are interested in learning more about TEAM Training!