Anyone looking for a return on the tax dollars spent each year on public education need look no further than the improvement in assessment test scores at Olathe’s most challenged elementary schools.

Dramatic improvement in scores for reading and a smaller gain in math at the Olathe School District’s 10 Title I elementary schools is one good reason for maintaining current state funding levels for public education even in the face of looming large cuts next year.

Olathe may be No. 1 in the hearts of most residents of the “beautiful” city, but should it automatically be first choice when the city is taking bids or making purchases?

The City Council appears to be leaning in that direction following last week’s council meeting. At a time when many Olathe businesses are struggling, giving Olathe businesses first shot is compelling—but only if it benefits the city and doesn’t cost taxpayers more.

Deer represent many things to different people. They are pretty, graceful animals that occasionally come into unfortunate contact with humans—especially when there are too many of them in the wrong place.

The situation at Shawnee Mission Park is one of those situations.

Dennis McKinney has some of your money—about $200 million to be exact—and he really would like to give it back.

McKinney, the new treasurer for the state of Kansas, was in Olathe last week. It was a visit designed to remind the public and the press what his office does, not to announce any political plans for 2010.

If you’ve never heard of Mike Press or Michael Wilkes, don’t feel too bad.

Neither one makes the news that often, and that usually is the way they like it. The Mike and Michael Show never will be confused with the Mike and Mike in the Morning show of ESPN radio fame.

Only days after President Barack Obama appealed to the nation to tone down the rhetoric in the abortion debate, tragic events on Sunday in Wichita have helped make the issue even more heated.

The senseless killing of Wichita abortion doctor George Tiller has overshadowed Obama’s call for each side to find some middle ground. Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson echoed that appeal Monday by saying “cantankerous rhetoric that revolves around the abortion debate is not helpful.”

Olathe, which likes to refer to itself as the City of Champions, added another name to the long list Thursday night in Washington, D.C.

Although long known for its prowess in athletics, Olathe’s latest champion won her title with smarts rather than brawn.

Kansans looking for signs of encouragement that the local economy is improving still have to look hard.

Recent reports on Kansas exports for 2008 and local home-building activity offer only glimmers of hope.