SUSTAINABILITY IN MERRIAM

You’re Helping Merriam Build a More Sustainable Future Plastic

Our community collected more than 1,000 pounds of plastic film in just four months! Those pounds of plastic will turn into recycled products. We earned two benches for collecting the plastic bags, which we’ll place along the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail.

Plastic bags can’t be recycled in your curbside recycling bin because they get tangled in the recycling center’s machinery. Please continue to recycle your plastic bags at local grocery stores.

Trees

You love trees! The City invested $50,000 to plant 85 trees across Merriam. Heartland Tree Alliance planted dozens of trees in residential front yards this spring and will plant about 45 more trees in fall.

It’s part of the City’s Residential Tree Grant. Learn more and register for a free tree at merriam.org/treegrant .

Lights and Energy

The City is converting all lighting in City facilities to LED lights. All buildings also will be weatherized to improve energy efficiency.

You can do your part by picking up a free home energy-saving kit at City Hall or the Merriam Community Center, while supplies last.

Let’s Talk About Composting

It’s estimated that about 25% of what ends up in the landfill is compostable food waste. By composting instead of sending food waste to the landfill, you’re reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Start composting now! Sign up for a Compost Bin Rebate through the City. You can get up to $40 to buy or install a compost bin. Some companies will collect your food waste, or you can drop it off at area composting sites. Learn more at merriam.org/compost.

Sustainability in September

We’re shining the spotlight on sustainability this September!

Visit merriam.org/sustainability to learn more about being green in Merriam and how you can make an impact. Mark your calendar now to attend these events:

▶ Aug. 31 Native Trees Talk by the Heartland Tree Alliance

Merriam Community Center ‣ 6 p.m.

▶ Sept. 16 Learn About Composting at the Merriam Farmers’ Market Merriam Marketplace ‣ 7 a.m.–1 p.m.

▶ Sept. 23 Go Green 2023! Environmental Fair Powell Community Center (6200 Martway St.) ‣ 9 a.m.–noon

▶ Sept. 30 Fall Recycling and Paper Shredding Event Nations Holding (9001 W. 67th St.) ‣ 9 a.m.–noon

Meet the Officers

Open House

Aug. 5 | 9–11 a.m.

Merriam Police Department

9010 W. 62nd St.

National Coffee with a Cop

Oct. 4 | 9–10:30 a.m.

Strawberry Hill Povitica

7226 W. Frontage Road

Free Police Events

National Night Out

Oct. 10 | 5–7 p.m.

Waterfall Park, 5191 Merriam Drive

Rx Drug Take Back Day

Oct. 28 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Walgreens, 8701 Johnson Drive

Drop off your unused or expired prescription drugs. Our police officers will properly dispose of them so they don’t end up in our water system or in the wrong hands.

2023 Citizens Police Academy

Apply for the Merriam Citizens Police Academy and learn what it takes to be a police officer. The 10-week program starts Aug. 23 and runs through Oct. 25. Sessions are held on Wednesdays, from 6 –9 p.m. at the Merriam Police Department.

How to Apply

Online: merriam.org/citizensacademy Call: 913-322-5560

Gerry Eickhoff Receives Life Saving Award

Master Police Officer Gerry Eickhoff in April received the Merriam Police Department’s Life Saving Award for helping save a life. A resident suffered a heart attack, and Eickhoff took over CPR from a bystander until MED-ACT arrived. Police Chief Darren McLaughlin said Eickhoff’s quick actions and calm demeanor kept the situation under control.

We’re Hiring!

LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER.

Overland Park Fire Department Gets a New Chief

Alan Long is Overland Park Fire Department’s new fire chief. Long is no stranger to the fire department. He began his career in Overland Park as a volunteer firefighter more than 25 years ago before being hired full-time in 1999. During his tenure, Long has held various positions within the department. He also served as the deputy chief of operations for the past five years and as interim chief after Fire Chief Bryan Dehner retired in March.

Long said he’s thrilled to lead the department, which operates in Merriam and serves our residents in a unique partnership.

New Merriam Police Officers

Team Merriam gained four more officers in May! They’re excited to serve our community and said they feel very welcomed into the police department. Learn more about the new officers at merriam.org/news.

Jeremiah Waters Promoted to Captain

With his 16-year-old son, Brady, pinning on his new badge, Jeremiah Waters in April was promoted from police sergeant to captain.

Waters is a 19-year veteran of the Merriam Police Department. He has served many roles throughout his tenure, including as a patrol officer, special enforcement unit detective, and DEA task force member. He also serves on the Kansas City Metro Squad and the Johnson County Critical Incident Investigation Team.

Waters said he’s excited about the opportunity and looks forward to his new role.

Officer Travels to Germany for Special Olympics

Capt. Jeremiah Waters recently flew into Berlin to represent the Merriam Police Department at the Special Olympics World Games.

While there, Waters carried a torch, called the Flame of Hope, that starts the opening ceremony games. He said the experience was life-changing.

“It’s hard to describe the honor and emotion that this event gave me,” Waters said. “It was amazing to run with officers and Special Olympics athletes from around the world. It just made my mission of spreading the message of inclusion and working to help the athletes that much stronger.”

Read his full story at merriam.com/news.

Plan Your Escape Because Fire Won’t Wait

Do you know what to do if your house catches on fire? Once a smoke alarm sounds, you may only have 2 minutes to escape safely. With Fire Prevention Week Oct. 8-14, make sure your family has an action plan with these tips:

▶ Draw a map of your home, showing all doors and windows. Locate two ways out of each room.

▶ Make sure your home has working smoke alarms less than 10 years old.

▶ Make sure everyone knows how to dial 9-1-1.

▶ Pick a meeting place outside your home.

▶ Practice your home fire drill and discuss what worked and what didn’t. Families that prepare for a fire have a much better chance of surviving.

Events

MCC = Merriam Community Center // MMP = Merriam Marketplace