JoCo on the Go: Everything Johnson County Kansas

Youth Bullying and Suicide Prevention

JoCo on the Go podcast episode #21 addresses the topic of youth bullying and suicide prevention and response. Johnson County Mental Health Center Team Leader Renee Van Meter offers tips to parents on how to talk with their teens about thoughts of suicide. She encourages parents to listen and seek further help, if needed. Also hear from Johnson County teen Rory Swenson, a teen ambassador to the #ZeroReasonsWhy campaign. He’ll talk about the conflicting role technology plays in both creating a support system and encouraging feelings of isolation.

Holiday Crime Prevention

JoCo on the Go podcast episode #10 covers a timely topic to help keep Johnson County residents and their property safe. The holiday season is a busy time of year for most people – and that includes thieves. We’re talking to crime and safety experts Claire Canaan, with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and Emilie Burdette with the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office. They offer advice for online shopping safety, tips on how to minimize the risk of porch pirates taking your purchases and they also talk about how you and your neighbors can fight crime by sharing your doorbell camera footage. 

Johnson County Airports

JoCo on the Go episode #19 is focused on how Johnson County airports play an important role in economic development in the area. Johnson County Airport Commission Executive Director Aaron Otto talks about the history of the airports and current business growth. Johnson County Commissioner Mike Brown discusses the value and convenience the airports bring to companies. Greg Martinette, president and CEO of Southwest Johnson County Economic Development Corporation, describes how businesses can set up shop in Johnson County.

Johnson County Citizens Academy

During our 18th JoCo on the Go podcast episode, we’re taking a close look at the Johnson County Citizens Academy Program. Two times per year, the county hosts the program for residents to gain an in-depth look at the programs and services they use every day, including Wastewater, Human Services, Emergency Management and Communications and more. Participants spend three hours per week, for 10 weeks touring Johnson County facilities, having conversations with department leaders and staff and learning how they can get more involved with their county government by volunteering.

JoCo on the Go: Thanksgiving food prep advice

During our 17th JoCo on the Go podcast episode, we’re taking the stress out of holiday food preparation by bringing in Johnson County experts from the K-State Research and Extension Office. Master food volunteers Gaylene Van Horn and David Stallings share tips and tricks for making your Thanksgiving a masterpiece. They offer advice on how to cook the turkey and where to go to get the best recipes for the special occasion. Crystal Futrell, a K-State Research and Extension health and food safety agent, shares information about the importance of safe food handling, such as making sure leftovers get in the refrigerator within two hours of coming out of the oven or off the stove.

JoCo on the Go Podcast: Fighting the Flu

During our 16th JoCo on the Go podcast episode, we’re addressing how to prevent and fight the flu during the winter months. Flu season can last through May, and brings many miserable symptoms, such as aches, pains and fever. Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Becky Prall, and Caitlin Kintner with the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, offer advice about how and when to get the flu shot.

Veterans Day

During our 15th JoCo on the Go podcast episode, we’re honoring veterans, with a special focus this year on women veterans. Johnson County Chairman Ed Eilert shares the importance of recognizing this group of veterans that is growing in number. You’ll also hear the stories of four Johnson County women who served in the military, including a woman who recently turned 105. Finally, the episode includes additional details from one of the four women who has transitioned service to her country to service to her county.

Sustainability

During our 14th JoCo on the Go podcast episode, we’re talking about sustainability in Johnson County. Craig Wood, Department of Health and Environment solid waste management coordinator, and Renee Bryant, DHE Food Policy Council coordinator, provide information about how residents and businesses can minimize waste. They also provide details about upcoming efforts to educate the public about keeping food out of the landfills, through methods such as composting.

Johnson County Elections

During our 13th JoCo on the Go podcast episode, we’re taking a close look at Johnson County elections. We’re discussing everything from election worker training to election results integrity. Johnson County Election Commissioner Ronnie Metsker breaks down the logistics of ensuring that each voter gets to the right polling place and gets in and out quickly. He’ll also talk about efforts to ensure that residents of all abilities have appropriate accommodations to cast their ballots. Election worker Gabriel Sanchez talks about why he participates year after year and the great comradery the comes with the work.

Vaping

During our 12th JoCo on the Go podcast episode, we’re discussing the county’s response to the teen vaping epidemic. Join Department of Health and Environment Health Educator Mike Krueger and Mental Health Prevention Coordinator Jaimie Katz as they share the dangers of nicotine addiction. They’ll also inform parents on how to talk to their kids about the risks associated with e-cigarettes and vaping. You’ll hear from Hannah Silverstein, a senior at Shawnee Mission West High School. She’ll talk about the grassroots efforts teens are taking on to tackle this problem.