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THIS WEEK'S MEETING
Overland Park Rotary
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 7:15 am
 
This Week's Speaker is Overland Park Police Chief Doreen Jokerst
Doreen Jokerst is the Chief of Police for the Overland Park Police Department, the state's second-largest city, with a population of approximately 200,000 residents. The OPPD is a forward-thinking and innovative agency with an authorized strength of 280 commissioned and approximately 40 professional staff members. 
 
Chief Jokerst is a nationally recognized public safety expert and policing leader with a strong track record of developing and implementing collaborative, forward-looking initiatives. Her career spans extensive experience in both public and safety and emergency management, and she is deeply engaged with national and international public safety organizations. Her commitment to fair and impartial policing is evident in her work to improve safety, raise standards, and promote accountability within law enforcement.
 
Before her current role, Chief Jokerst serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief of Police at the University of Boulder for six years where she led the Department to receive national accreditation. 
 
Chief Jokerst holds certifications in emergency management from the State of Colorado and has commanded numerous critical incidents throughout her career. She holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership for Educational Equity in Higher Learning, a Master's Degree in Psychology and a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. She is also a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, the Senior Management Institute for Police, and the FBI National Academy.
 
This Week's Greeters - Harold Frye and Barry Rogers
2026 CRAWFISH FESTIVAL

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Crawfish Festival and its long history of giving back to our local community. As Sponsorship Chair, I’m asking each club member to tap into your personal network and help us identify businesses or individuals who may be willing to support this year’s event as a sponsor.

Our beneficiary this year is CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties, a nonprofit that trains and supports volunteer advocates appointed by judges to speak up for abused and neglected children in the court system. CASA’s goal is to ensure each child’s best interests are heard so they can end up in a safe, permanent, and stable home.

Our most successful sponsorships come from personal connections. A warm introduction from you to a business owner or professional contact is far more effective than a cold call.

How you can help: Please identify three to five contacts—local business owners or individuals—and share the sponsorship opportunities with them.

Key details for outreach:

  • Cause: All proceeds benefit CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties
  • Event: May 2, 2026 | 6:00–10:00 p.m.
  • Location: St. Pius X Church

Thank you for helping make this 25th-anniversary Crawfish Festival our most successful one yet!

Mark Rauth
Crawfish Festival Sponsorship Chair

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Ladies - Mark Your Calendars
Ladies' Social Hour
March 5th, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Laurie McCormack's Home
9915 Knox Dr, Overland Park
Please bring your favorite beverage or appetizer.
Check your email to RSVP.
Speakers
Feb 25, 2026
Mar 04, 2026 7:15 AM
Mar 11, 2026 11:30 AM
Mar 18, 2026
Mar 25, 2026 11:30 AM
Shawnee Mission School District
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Ladies Social Hour
Laurie McCormack's Home
Mar. 05, 2026
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
 
Crawfish Festival
St. Pius X Church
May 02, 2026
 
View entire list

Congrats to Greg Musil!
Member picture
The Johnson County Community College (JCCC) Foundation volunteer committee has selected Greg Musil, area lawyer and former JCCC Trustee, as the 2026 Johnson Countian of the Year.

“Each year, a selection committee chooses the Johnson Countian of the Year to honor a leader who has made significant contributions to Johnson County,” said Dr. Tony Miksa, JCCC President. “Greg Musil has supported JCCC for more than twelve years as a Board of Trustees Member and three decades as a Foundation Board Member."

Greg has been a member of Overland Park Rotary since 1994!


Birthdays
Carol Watts, Feb. 15
Harold Frye, Feb. 18
Nate Sutton, Feb. 18
 
Anniversaries
Brett & Susan Bogan, 30 years
Feb. 17
 
Club Anniversaries
Edie Howard, 3 years, Feb. 15
Mike Tracy, 15 years, Feb. 21

Sad News to Report
We recently learned that former Rotarian and Past President Harvey McCray has passed away. Click here for the obituary. 
 
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