Overbrook Community Foundation will host the first of a planned annual Christmas event this Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022 – the Overbrook OCF Chili/Soup Cook-Off and Holiday Festival – at the Overbrook Library Community Room.

A holiday market with multiple vendors will be open 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and the chili and soup cook-off will be 4:30-6:30 p.m. A variety of chili and soup will be available to sample at the cook-off for $5 per person and $10 per family.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available to meet with children during the soup sampling, and cookies will be provided by the Overbrook Friends of the Library for Santa and kids.

Registration for the cook-off is available on the Overbrook City website, and is limited to the first 12 contestants. The entry fee is $10 for the cook-off; $275 in cash prizes will be awarded. For more information, contact Janet Johnson at jjohnson@theksb.com.

Operation Christmas for Kids

Osage County Sheriff’s office is heading up a local toy drive, teamed with other Osage County public safety departments and Sgt. Nick Ledet, of the Kansas Army National Guard. The goal is to collect as many new toys as possible to make a difference for children in need this Christmas. Toy drive collection  began last month, and collection will end Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. Overbrook City Hall serves as a drop off location.

Overbrook Police Department

The Overbrook Police Department is offering holiday lights tours in December. Anyone who would like to go on the tour is asked to call 785-215-4627 and speak with Chief Carlson. Officers will take those who sign up around town in police cars to look at holiday light displays and give out holiday goodie bags. The chief offered a reminder about the increase of thefts of packages during  the holiday season, and asks residents to be aware of when packages are to be delivered and collect them off of the porch as soon as possible.

Overbrook Historical Society

Overbrook Historical Society still has plenty of “Don’t Overcook Overbrook” cookbooks on sale for $20 per copy, which would make great Christmas presents for family and friends. Purchase copies at Overbrook City Hall, 401 Maple St., or the Kansas State Bank, 400 Maple St., Overbrook, Kan., or email overbrookhistory@gmail.com to place an order.

Overbrook Community Chest

The Overbrook Community Chest offers the opportunity to help deserving organizations in one big drive rather than giving to each one separately. Each citizen should have received a donation form in their mailbox. Anyone who did not receive one can pick one up at the post office, banks, and city hall. Donations help local Overbrook organizations.

Update on water project

Work remains to be done at the rural booster pump station, the chlorination building, and at some of the wells. Street repairs and landscape work will follow. Check the city’s website for project updates as it gets closer to substantial completion. Updates can be found at overbrookks.com/water-distribution-project.

Utility bills and meter readings

With the new radio read meters in place, users might see a change in your bill. The new meters are extremely accurate, and there may be some variance in the amount of water consumed compared to the old meter. The new software can detect if water is running at irregular times, and can help identify if a user has a leak. Citizens are asked to call city hall to discuss any issues or concerns about the new meters.

Pet Tags

Renew pet tags for 2023; the application is available at city hall.

Overbrook Parks and Recreation

Youth basketball will be starting soon. Reminder: Fishing derby has been moved from the fall to the spring. It will take place April 2023.

For more information, contact Overbrook City Hall at 785-665-7328.

Information thanks to Overbrook City Hall.