Get your good news, Johnson County! Twice a month, the Post rounds up some of the good news that came into our inboxes or showed up on our social media feeds.
How to tell us your good news
If you have good news too, we’d like you to share that with us. You can do so in a number of ways. You can:
- Email us at stories@johnsoncountypost.com
- Send us messages on Facebook or on X (formerly Twitter).
- Or comment at the bottom of this post.
And now, onto our latest roundup of good news!
Longtime Deanna Rose supervisor celebrates 25th season
Janet Hutfles, supervisor of operations at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park, celebrated “two and a half decades of livestock and laughter” at the farmstead this year.
As the supervisor of operations, Hutfles oversees the functions and day-to-day at the farmstead, a popular attraction for visitors of all ages.
“I enjoy seeing the regulars that visit the Farmstead, and I love the generational visitors that brought their kids and are now bringing their grandchildren,” Hutfles said in a news release. “I love that we can be a place to spend the entire day with your family or a place to come four or five times a week just because your child has to check on their favorite animal.”
Olathe Public Schools celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
The Olathe school district recently held its 3rd Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration of Excellence.
The annual celebration aims to bring together students, staff, and community members to celebrate Hispanic culture.
During the event, 35 seniors in the school district were honored for their achievements and leadership within the district.
💃 From lively performances and delicious food to recognizing outstanding contributors, the 3rd Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration of Excellence was unforgettable! We proudly honored students from every level for their achievements and leadership. The evening concluded… pic.twitter.com/iDumjbk3yo
— Olathe Public Schools (@olatheschools) November 6, 2025
Shawnee Mission North students win Kansas EcoMeet
Four students from Shawnee Mission North High School walked away with a victory at the recent Kansas EcoMeet.
The annual competition tests students on their knowledge of Kansas plants and wildlife. Students from the event’s top three teams are awarded with scholarships.
This serves as Shawnee Mission North’s first victory in first place at the regional competition.
Lenexa construction company earns “innovation” award
Lenexa-based P1 Construction, LLC recently earned this year’s “Safety Innovator of the Year Award” from the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association.
The annual recognition goes to a company that has demonstrated an innovative safety idea, concept, or best practice that has led to measurable improvement in its safety program or culture, according to a release.
P1 Construction earned the award for two initiatives, their Second Orientation Program and the Peer Connector Mental Health Program — both of which aim to address critical challenges in construction safety.
“While P1 is always committed to embracing technology, we know our people are the most critical components to building the shared goal of a world-class safety record and culture company-wide,” said Don Campbell, Vice President of P1 Construction, via the release. “Through rigorous daily checklists, mental health resources, training, and mentorship, P1 leadership, from the top down, is committed to ensuring our associates show up mentally and physically prepared to make the best decisions every day at every job site.”
Olathe West High School coach honored by the Chiefs
Olathe West High School Head Coach Jon Wiemers recently earned the “Coach of the Week” distinction from the Kansas City Chiefs.
The honor aims to recognize Kansas City-area head coaches for their “success on the field and leadership off the field.”
As part of their recognition, Wiemers received a $500 grant from the Hunt Family Foundation, along with a Chiefs bucket hat, a certificate of recognition, and a custom game ball.
Wiemers also now qualifies for the Eric Driskell Coach of the Year Award, which is selected at the end of the high school regular season by a panel from the Missouri and Kansas Boards of the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association.
Downtown Overland Park wine bar earns another top distinction
For the third year in a row, Vintage ’78 in downtown Overland Park was internationally recognized in the World’s Best Wine Lists Awards from The World of Fine Wine Magazine.
The wine bar earned a “Three-Star Accredited” distinction for its wine program for the third consecutive year.
Vintage ’78 also made the Best Wine-by-the-Glass List (without Coravin) for both North America and the World for the second year in a row.
Gardner Edgerton School District earns “Blue Ribbon” distinction
The Gardner Edgerton School District (USD 231) received a Blue Ribbon award from the National Parents as Teachers group.
The program is an early childhood home visiting education program used across the country. The school district has been honored with the award three previous times.
“This award is a reflection of the dedication of our parent educators and the strong partnerships within our community,” said Julie Wootton, program coordinator. “Together, we are helping parents be their child’s first and best teacher.”
