On episode #171 of JoCo on the Go, we check in on two treatment courts in Johnson County after they have been operating for a year: a behavioral health court and another adult treatment court, commonly known as drug court. We speak with judges and a mental health professional who talk about how the courts are serving defendants who choose to take advantage of the extra support the court programs provide.

Did you know you might be able to find that perfect holiday gift from Johnson County Government? On Episode #170 of JoCo on the Go, we talk with representatives from the Johnson County Park and Recreation Department (jcprd.com)and Johnson County Developmental Supports (jcds.org) about some great gift ideas. From a parks gift certificate that’s good for shelter rentals, recreation programs, permits and more to work from emerging artists at Johnson County Developmental Supports, we’ve got you covered this season.

On episode #169 of JoCo on the Go, we tell you all about two county programs that help provide funding for essential road and stormwater projects in cities around Johnson County. You’ll hear from city and county officials discussing the improvements that have been made possible thanks to Johnson County’s CARS and Stormwater programs and the positive impact they have had for our county’s residents. We’ll also take a look ahead to the projects anticipated for next year.

On episode #168 of JoCo on the Go, we discuss Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas. SHICK a free program offering Kansans an opportunity to talk with community volunteers and get answers to questions about Medicare and other insurance issues. Contact SHICK at either AHS-SHICK@jocogov.org or the hotline at 913-715-8856. In Johnson County, SHICK is provided by the Johnson County Area Agency on Aging with assistance from the K-State Research and Extension Office and Johnson County Aging and Human Services. Learn all about the program and how it can help you or those you love.

On episode #167 of JoCo on the Go, we visit with Fred Sherman, Johnson County election commissioner, about the upcoming August 6 primary election. The conversation focuses on deadlines to register to vote and how to cast a ballot in advance – both in person and by mail – and in person on Election Day. We also visit with Patrick Clark, an Overland Park resident who has served as an election worker for many years about the important role election workers play in conducting elections in Johnson County.

On episode #166 of JoCo on the Go, we take a look at some upcoming vaccine clinics being offered this summer for children in the community to get up to date on the vaccines they need to participate in school activities. We visit with Lina Thomas, a nurse with Johnson County’s Department of Health and Environment and Amanda Applegate with the Immunize Kansas Coalition to learn more. For additional information, visit the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment’s website, or call 913-826-1261 or send an email to jcdhe@jocogov.org.

On episode #165 of JoCo on the Go, we discuss a Youth Crisis Stabilization Center in Johnson County, which will help address one of the most significant gaps in care in the community by providing a place for young people to go when they experience a mental health crisis or emergency. Tim DeWeese, director of the Johnson County Mental Health Center, and Robert Sullivan, director of the Johnson County Department of Corrections, join the conversation to discuss the new project.

On episode #164 of JoCo On the Go, we take a look at the Notices of Appraised Valuation that will be showing up in Johnson County residential property owners’ mailboxes this week. Property values in Johnson County are continuing to increase, but at lower rates than in previous years. We discuss market trends with Johnson County Appraiser Beau Boisvert, along with information on how to appeal property valuations, including using a new online appeals portal on the County Appraiser’s website.

On episode #163 of JoCo on the Go, we discuss Johnson County programs designed to help older adults get better connected to their community. Feelings related to loneliness and belonging can often arise in this population, and Johnson County’s departments of Health and Environment and Aging and Human Services both have several programs designed to help. From a program that connects students with older adults in independent living facilities to programs like congregate meal sites, Johnson County is working to ensure older adults can stay connected to their communities and have better health outcomes as a result.

On episode #162 of JoCo on the Go, we look at Johnson County’s Senior and Disabled Veteran Property Tax Relief Program, which is now accepting applications. A pilot program this year offers up to $200 in property tax relief for seniors and disabled veterans who meet income requirements and other qualifications. The application window will be open until April 15 of this year. More information about the program, including information on how to apply, is available on the county’s website.

On episode #161 of JoCo on the Go, we take a look at treatment courts in Johnson County. Learn about all of these gift ideas and more in the latest issue of JoCo Magazine. 10 Things to add to your holiday gift list

On episode #160 of JoCo on the Go, we take a look at treatment courts in Johnson County. Building on the success of a Veterans Treatment Court, the county has launched two new treatment courts, one for behavioral health and another adult treatment court, commonly known as drug court. These courts provide pathways for defendants in the criminal justice system to receive supervision, evaluation and treatment for issues that may underlie criminal behavior instead of focusing on more traditional approaches.

On episode #159 of JoCo on the Go, we take a look at seasonal respiratory diseases like flu, COVID-19 and RSV. We bring in local experts from the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment and Children’s Mercy Kansas City to discuss vaccines for these conditions, recommendations for who should receive them and where to find them so you can be prepared with the best recommendations on how to protect yourself. We also cover the new weekly respiratory illness report available from the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment. Visit our COVID-19 vaccine page and vaccines.gov to get the latest information about COVID-19 vaccine availability in Johnson County.

On episode #158 of JoCo on the Go, we discuss National Preparedness Month, and steps you can take to make sure you’re ready for a potential disaster. We also cover how to sign up for NotifyJoCo to be able to keep up with the latest information in an emergency situation. Whether you might be facing a fire, a flood or other hazardous event, we help outline a path you can take so you can face the risks from a disaster that could happen at any time.

On episode #157 of JoCo on the Go, we discuss a new pilot incentive program available to landlords in Johnson County. The program provides financial incentives to rent to a family with a federally funded voucher for available units. Megan Foreman, housing coordinator for Johnson County, discusses the new effort and the importance of providing affordable housing for county residents. For more information on resources available to landlords, visit our For Landlords webpage.

On episode #156 of JoCo on the Go, we go over ten things to do this summer around Johnson County. Learn about all of these activities and more in the latest issue of JoCo Magazine. 10 Things to stamp in your summer fun passport

On episode #155 of JoCo on the Go, we mark National Nurses Week with a look at some of the contributions of the nurses who work for Johnson County Government. You will learn the vital role nurses play for Johnson County, whether they are working in county health clinics, performing outreach services for new moms or supporting Johnson County’s work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

On episode #154 of JoCo on the Go, we will catch you up on the latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory report from Johnson County. The report details the levels of greenhouse gas emissions both at the county government level as well as the broader community. You’ll also learn about the county’s climate goals and some actions that will help achieve them. The complete report is available online.

On episode #153 of JoCo on the Go, we talk all about how to get some help with taxes. You will learn about Johnson County K-State Research and Extension’s VITA program that provides free income tax preparation assistance to those who qualify, along with some information about property tax relief programs available to eligible homeowners in Johnson County.

On episode #152 of JoCo on the Go, we tell you all about an acronym you may have heard before…CDBG. Community Development Block Grants are federal funds administered locally, used to improve housing for those with low-to-moderate incomes as well as make neighborhood improvements. You will learn how you can have your voice heard on Johnson County’s current needs for 2024 planning, as well as how hundreds of thousands of dollars can still be accessed this year.