Merriam Residents Can Apply for Exterior Home Improvement Grant in January

Merriam residents looking to beautify their homes may be eligible for an Exterior Home Improvement Grant through the City.

Merriam is investing $30,000 in the pilot program and will provide a 20 percent, or $2,500 max, reimbursement for exterior home impro...

Fire Department Releases Annual Report

The Overland Park Fire Department, which provides fire protection services for Merriam residents, released its 2017 Annual Report.Fire Chief Bryan Dehner said the interactive report highlights service call statistics, including the average emergency respo...

Merriam Hires New Prosecutor

Merriam City Council yesterday approved hiring Christopher Mann as the City’s new part-time prosecuting attorney.Mann will handle all traffic and city ordinance violations in the Merriam Municipal Court and will represent the City on cases appealed to the...

Merriam Recognized as a 2017 Tree City USA

Merriam today was named a 2017 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to urban forestry.

Sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, the aw...

City Partners with Neighborhoods on Beautification Efforts

The City wants to partner with residents to spruce up Merriam neighborhoods with the Neighborhood Island Grant. This pilot program is a 100 percent reimbursement grant (up to $350) to residents who offer to maintain one of the 20 neighborhood islands loca...

Spring Fling Recycling and Large-Item Pickup Dates

Just in time for spring cleaning – it’s Merriam’s curbside large-item pickup and our community-wide recycling event with the City of Shawnee.

SPRING FLING RECYCLING

Merriam and Shawnee are hosting Spring Fling Recycling on Saturday, April 7 from 8-11 a.m. i...

Police: DDACTS Enforcement on Right Track After One Year

Traffic in Merriam continues to rise, but traffic crashes are below projected expectations. The Merriam Police Department said a geomapping program it started a year ago may be the reason why.

In March 2017, police began using Data-Driven Approaches to Cri...

Merriam Police Host Two Events to Raise Money for Special Olympics Kansas

The Merriam Police Department this week raised thousands of dollars for Special Olympics Kansas.

Merriam police officers hosted Popcorn Standoff at Cinemark Merriam on March 10 and the Law Enforcement Heroes Pull with the Shawnee Police Department on March...

Citywide Spring Tree Limb Pickup Begins March 19

Back by popular demand, the City of Merriam is offering curbside tree limb pickup March 19-23 for you to dispose of your branch and brush debris.

Please place tree limbs curbside before 7 a.m. on March 19. Public Work crews will collect branches citywide t...

22nd Annual Heartland Artist Exhibition Winners Announced

The Tim Murphy Art Gallery in Merriam today released the complete list of winners from the 22nd Annual Heartland Artist Exhibition. The exhibition is Merriam’s largest art show of the year. The juried show featured 69 artists from 13 states acro...

Merriam Police Name Officer of the Year, Two Other Officers Promoted at Annual Meeting

Officer Matthew Hirsch received the 2017 Officer of the Year Award at the Merriam Police Department’s annual meeting on Feb. 28. The police department gives out the award to an officer who best demonstrates a distinct pattern of teamwork, community servic...

Police Department Releases Annual Report

The Merriam Police Department issued its 2017 Annual Report at the Feb. 26 City Council meeting. Merriam Police Chief Michael Daniels told councilmembers the report highlights the department's building remodel, patrol statistics, and officers’ i...

22nd Annual Heartland Artist Exhibition Begins Saturday at the Tim Murphy Art Gallery

Merriam’s largest art show of the year starts this weekend. The 22nd Annual Heartland Artist Exhibition opens Saturday, March 3 at 5 p.m. at the Tim Murphy Art Gallery. The juried show is featuring 69 artists from 13 states across the country. The awards ...

Merriam Police to Host Open House for Newly Remodeled Building

Merriam Police officers recently moved back home and are inviting you to check out their updated facility during an open house on Saturday, March 3 from 9-11 a.m. at the Merriam Police Department (9010 W. 62nd St.).

Merriam Police needed the upgrade to fix...

Merriam Seeks Qualified Part-Time Prosecutor

The City of Merriam needs a qualified part-time prosecutor to join its team. The prosecutor represents the City for ordinance violations in the Merriam Municipal Court and in appeals from the Municipal Court to District Court.

This contract position serves...

Merriam Receives Engineering Excellence Award

The City of Merriam recently received the Engineering Excellence Award for Innovation and Outstanding Engineering from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Kansas (ACEC Kansas). 

The award recognizes complex and unique or innovative ap...

Public Hearing Scheduled During Feb. 7 Planning Commission Meeting

The City’s Planning Commission is hosting a public hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. during its regularly scheduled monthly meeting at City Hall. The Planning Commission will receive feedback on proposed ordinance amendments to fencing, group home, a...

Downtown Merriam Partnership Wins State Award

The Downtown Merriam Partnership today won the Distinguished Public Service Organization Award at the 70th Annual Kansas Recreation and Park Association Conference and Trade Show in Wichita.

The award recognizes organizations for their contributions to the...

Merriam Police Officer Receives Life Saving Award

In front of a large crowd of family and friends, Merriam Police Officer Kristin Hannabass received the Life Saving Award at the Jan. 22 Merriam City Council meeting. Standing next to her was the man she saved.

On Jan. 6, Officer Hannabass was first on scen...

Merriam Municipal Court Cases Now Available Online

You can now look up any Merriam Municipal Court case online. The City today announced the Court’s public access data is available for all customers with cases from July 2012 and forward.

The Municipal Court is the judicial branch of the City, han...

City of Merriam Offers Franchise Fee Rebate to Qualified Residents

Merriam families with low-to-moderate income may be eligible to apply for a rebate from the City. 

Starting on Feb. 1, the City of Merriam will accept applications for the Franchise Fee Rebate Program. The program offers residents, whose income fa...

Merriam Receives Coveted “AAA” Rating from Standard and Poor's Global

Standard and Poor's Global (S&P) today gave the City of Merriam the desired “AAA” credit rating. It’s S&P’s highest rating assigned and should translate to lower interest costs for the City when it issues $2...

Be Prepared – Snow and Ice is in the Forecast

With a chance of snow showers tomorrow, it’s best to be prepared. The City of Merriam Public Works Department is ready to battle the snow and ice. Snow removal is one of many great services the City provides to our residents. Salting starts as s...

Your Response to Mailed Citizen Survey Will Improve City’s Future

Check your mailboxes! Within the next two weeks, hundreds of randomly selected Merriam residents will receive an important citizen survey in the mail. It’s designed to help City leaders determine resident’s needs and wants in regard to City services.

Not e...

New Councilmember Sworn into Office

There’s a new face on Merriam’s City Council. David Neal took the oath of office on Jan. 8 at the first council meeting of the year.

Neal was elected in November and will represent Ward 4 during the next four years.

The City’s ...

2018 Tim Murphy Art Gallery Schedule Announced

Opening Reception for First Exhibit of the Year Tonight

Local artist Barbara O’Leary headlines tonight’s opening art reception at the Tim Murphy Art Gallery. O’Leary’s “When Words Aren’t Enough” offers a unique look at landscapes, nature, and the wildernes...

Merriam Now Hiring for 2018 Pool Season at the MAC

New Online Application Process

It may be winter, but it’s never too early to think about warm days ahead. Teens and adults looking for a summer job can now apply online for one of several positions at the Merriam Aquatic Center for the ...

Merriam Excited to See Third Wayside Horn Activated

The City of Merriam today activated the third and final wayside horn at the railroad crossing on Johnson Drive. The other two sound systems are located on Carter and 67th streets.

Wayside horns sound like a train horn, but the sound is condensed to a more ...

Merriam Police Participates in Operation Rudolph

The Merriam Police Department participated in Operation Rudolph on Dec. 15. They, joined by officers from Overland Park and Lenexa, took about two dozen sixth-grade students from the Shawnee Mission School District to shop at Target for holiday gifts for ...

Johnson County Residential Property Valuation

If you’re looking for a home in Johnson County, there’s about a two-month supply of homes for residents. The market trend for homes under $350,000 have the least amount of supply for potential home buyers.

Due to strong demand, resident...

You Can Now Sign Up for Merriam’s Police Citizens Academy

Learn how to shoot a gun, know more about crime trends in the community, and take a jail tour during the 2018 Merriam Police Citizens Academy. The Merriam Police Department is now accepting applications online from residents wanting to get a behind-the sc...

Overland Park Fire Marshal Issues Burn Ban for Merriam Residents

The Overland Park Fire Marshal just issued an immediate burn ban for Merriam and Overland Park.

Due to the “danger of rapid fire spread” from today’s high winds and low humidity, all permits are temporarily suspended and recreation fires are prohibited unt...

You Can Now Register Your Pets Online

Merriam residents can now register their pets online. It’s the first time the City has accepted licenses through its website; just in time for the Jan. 1 pet registration renewal deadline.

The online portal allows you to apply for a new pet license or rene...

Merriam to Dedicate Public Art on Friday

Merriam residents can enjoy new art in a fun, reflective way. The City will dedicate Planting the Seedson Friday, Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Merriam Marketplace.

The stunning sculpture Planting the Seeds was made by Colorado artist Christopher Weed, who was in...

Traffic Alert: Shawnee Mission Parkway Lane Closures Start Tomorrow

Starting Tuesday, Nov. 28, Shawnee Mission Parkway will be down to one lane in both directions from Mastin St. to Eby Ave.

Construction crews are installing signal radars to help with traffic flow and placing strip seals on the bridge. The project is expec...

Merriam Residents Can Apply for an Exterior Home Improvement Grant in January

Merriam residents looking to beautify their homes may be eligible for an Exterior Home Improvement Grant through the City.

Merriam is investing $30,000 in the pilot program and will provide a 20 percent, or $2,500 max, reimbursement for exterior home impro...

New Sound System to Reduce Train Noise Pollution in Merriam

Merriam residents living along two railroad crossings will soon notice a significant reduction in train noise pollution. BNSF Railway is expected to activate wayside horns on Dec. 6 to let drivers know when trains are coming at railroad crossings on Carte...

Local Artist’s Work Donated to IBFCC

A second Jean Van Harlingen painting now hangs in the entryway of the Irene B. French Community Center (IBFCC).

John Barry recently donated the original art piece titled “Lacing Future Histories” to the IBFCC. The Palm Springs, California, native said he b...

Unofficial Election Results

A coin flip may determine who represents Merriam residents in Ward 2 after a tied vote on Nov. 7 between incumbent City Council member Brian Knaff and Patty Newkirk.

According to the Johnson County Elections Office, the county’s Board of Canvasse...

Wanted: Advertisers

The Merriam Visitors Bureau is gearing up to produce the 2018 Community & Visitors Guide and is inviting Merriam and neighboring businesses to place an advertisement in the magazine. The Merriam Visitors Bureau will accept advertisements from now thro...

Merriam Wins National Award for Finance Report

Merriam recently won a national award for its annual finance report’s transparency and easy-to-read format.

The City received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Re...

Large-Item and Curbside Leaf Pickup Available to Merriam Residents

The City of Merriam will conduct its annual fall cleanup campaign Oct. 16–20. The Public Works Department provides free, large-item disposal twice a year.

Residents disposing large items such as furniture, appliances, carpets/rugs, and miscellane...

New Online Burn Permit Application

It's that time of year when the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall. As a Merriam resident, you're still permitted to burn those leaves provided you meet the following requirements:

• Your burn must be no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high
• Your...

Merriam Hosts Inaugural Pickleball Festival

The inaugural Third Shot’s a Charm Pickleball Festival is underway at World’s Gym in Merriam. About 140 participants from 22 states and four countries are taking the sport by storm in the three-day event this weekend.

The idea for the f...

New Sidewalks to Bridge Merriam Residents with City Amenities

Dozens of Merriam residents will soon walk a safer route to their favorite locations around town as the City begins constructing sidewalks in their neighborhood.

Crews today started constructing designated sidewalk segments along 69th St. and Anti...

You Can Help Overland Park Fire Department Save Lives

There’s a phone app that may save your life or show you where someone is to save their life. It’s called PulsePoint, and the Overland Park Fire Department recently launched its services and wants you to download the app.

You’r...

Merriam Voters Approve New Community Center

Merriam voters have decided – the City should build a new community center.

According to the Johnson County Board of Elections, unofficial results show more than 2,490 mail-in ballots were cast with 67.5 percent of residents saying they...

New Playground Equipment Installed at Quail Creek Park

Get ready to play – there’s new playground equipment at Quail Creek Park.

Starting Saturday, Merriam residents can enjoy the new, brightly colored playground. The park features cable climbing activities; a slide; a Volta spinner, simila...

Merriam Police Pull Over 74 Drivers During Drunk Driving Campaign

The Merriam Police Department made 74 stops during its two-week “You Drink. You Drive. You Lose.” campaign. The statewide program aimed to removed impaired drivers from Kansas roadways. Officers conducted overtime patrols to aggressive...

Get the Facts - Your Vote Counts

Check your mailboxes this week – the City sent you a postcard reminding you to vote! Here’s one last push to better explain the mail-in ballot initiative on the new community center.

Know Your Facts:

• Not voting in this mail-in ballot ele...

Mail-in Ballot Facts

Here's what you need to know – frequently asked questions about the mail-in ballot.

6-Year-Old Wins Merriam Park Passport Program

Ask any 6-year-old what he or she likes to do in the summer, and it’s probably going to their neighborhood park. Luckily, Merriam has a few gems and spotlighted one with its Park Passport Program.

Our City joined Fairway, Leawood, Mission, Prairi...

Video Highlights Community Center Blight

The City of Merriam today released a video covering the upcoming Community Center ballot initiative. The video highlights the issues with the current facilities, and features residents sharing their views on the future of recreation in Merriam.

Studies sho...

Read Our Blog

Dig a little deeper about the mail-in ballot initiative and read our blog.

Community Center Mail-In Vote

Merriam voters will determine the future of our community’s recreation. Voters will decide if the City should replace the current 100+ year-old community center and 30+ year-old aquatic center with a new Community Center.

Merriam Police Adds Four New Officers

Four new Merriam police officers are ready to protect and serve our community.

The Meriam Police Department on Monday swore in Officers April Gebke, Grant Sparks, Bradley Thomas, and Beau Soucie at the Aug. 28 City Council meeting. They took their oaths of...

Merriam Police Wants Your Help Catching Criminals in the Act

If you have a security camera, Merriam Police needs your help. Officers are inviting you to join the Community Video Partnership Program to help catch criminals in the act.

The new program uses residents’ and businesses’ security camera...

Join Team Merriam: Check out new job openings!

City of Merriam employees seem to think this is a pretty great place to work. We’re currently hiring for positions in Merriam’s Public Works and Parks & Recreation Departments. Read more about open positions in the “Jobs&...

Work begins on Shawnee Mission Parkway bridge over railroad tracks in March

Work will begin on Shawnee Mission Parkway over BNSF railroad tracks to the west of Merriam city limits in early March. The scope of this project is to replace the east and west bridge approaches, remove the median on the bridge, patch de-laminated areas ...

Brian Knaff selected as Ward 2 council member

Brian Knaff became the newest Ward Two council member after a public interview with Merriam City Council Monday night. He’ll finish out the final year of retired Council Member Jim Wymer's term (up for election on November 7, 2017). In ...

2016 Year-in-Review video now online

Something is always going on in Merriam, but 2016 was especially eventful. Major infrastructure Improvements were made; public art was installed as part of a new placemaking initiative; and Parks & Rec programs continued to bring the community togethe...

Final Parks Facilities Master Plan released after Council presentation

Following months of gathering public input, Merriam City Council formally acknowledged the completion of a Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan, at tonight's meeting.

A team of consultants partnered with a steering committee of residents to...

Merriam Police officers honored with awards of valor

Two Merriam Police officers received the Silver Award for Valor at the Metro Chief and Sheriffs Association on Fri., Nov., 18. Corporal Weiler and Sergeant Brokaw were honored with the award for going above and beyond the call of duty. Congratulations!

Frequently Asked Questions: Parks Facilities Master Plan

There's a lot of buzz around town about the Parks & Rec Facilities Master Plan currently in development. As the steering committee, city staff and consultants put finishing touches on recommendations, check out this FAQ for information about the process.

Police officers participate in low-light training exercise

Police Officers are constantly training, learning new skills and practicing fundamentals. Recently, Merriam Police Officers participated in a low-light training exercise to become better prepared for situations when light or visibility isn't optimal. Most...Read on...

Parks & Rec Facilities Master Plan news

In an effort to keep the community up-to-date on the development of a Parks Facilities Master Plan, there's now a blog dedicated to the issue. This week, we provide background on Merriam's aging facilities and the process of crafting a master plan that ai...Read on...

IKEA's 5,000 Dreams Program Helps Local Refugees

Today, IKEA announced the continuation of its “5,000 Dreams” program to help provide beds and bedding to local refugee families in our community, and across the country in 46 other local IKEA markets. Over the next month, IKEA Merriam will be donating 113...

Trekking the Trail

The sun is shining, you need to reach your daily step count, the dog is all leashed up, and those new sneakers are begging for a few miles. It’s never a better time to hit the Streamway Trail in Merriam.

KC Coffee Trip - Savor the Sips!

Become an official coffee ninja with KC Destination's newest trip, the KC Coffee Trip! Sip and savor your way through Kansas City's coffee spots, collect stickers, complete your passport and earn your way to a cool coffee tumbler! #KCCoffeeTrip

2018 Visitors Guide

Request a copy of the 2018 Merriam Community & Visitors Guide! This publication is THE resource to help you find dining, shopping, lodging and attractions in and around Merriam. Click the link below to order or download your guide today.

2018 Art Gallery Schedule

The City of Merriam Parks and Recreation Department has announced the entire 2018 Tim Murphy Art Gallery schedule. Each new exhibit opens the first Thursday of each month from 7-8:30 p.m., except for the art show in February and the 22nd Annual Heartland ...

Most Tourist-Friendly City in the U.S.

Merriam, Kansas was recently named to Expedia's list of the "Top Tourist-Friendly Cities in the U.S." From a five-star rating for our local Visitors Bureau, to plenty of places to rest your head and a delicious made-in-Merriam dessert bread, vis...

Tour Merriam

If you're a group tour planner looking for new and unique tours, come explore Merriam. From instruments to dessert bread, candles to guitar lamps, Merriam has a nice blend of group-friendly tours. Click the link below to learn more and schedule today!

Meet in Merriam

The meeting room at Meriam Historic Plaza is an ideal location for small to mid-size meetings, trainings or events. With affordable rates, an accessible location and top of the line technology, your next meeting is one click away.

Pet Friendly Merriam

In celebration of National Pet Day on April 11th (yes, it’s a thing–the National Calendar at a Glance says so), we thought it fitting to celebrate and share the fur babies in our lives, and educate visitors about Merriam’s plethora of pet-friendly places.

Parks & Rec Facilities Master Plan news

In an effort to keep the community up-to-date on the development of a Parks Facilities Master Plan, there's now a blog dedicated to the issue. Click below to stay informed of this exciting master plan.

Road Trip BINGO

There's plenty to do with kids in and around Merriam. Stop by Merriam Historic Plaza to pick up a road trip bingo card (or download one at the read more link), then hit the open road in Kansas to discover popular visitor attractions, eateries and more ac...Read on...