September is National Preparedness Month, and in this episode of In The Know with SNCO, host Amanda Monhollon sits down with Shawnee County Emergency Management Director Dusty Nichols and Emergency Management Planner Dylan Hart to talk about what it really means to be prepared — both as a community and at home.
From severe weather and power outages to cyber incidents and other unexpected emergencies, Dusty and Dylan take listeners behind the scenes of how Shawnee County plans, coordinates resources and works with local, state and federal partners when disaster strikes.
They also share practical steps residents can take now, including creating and communicating a family emergency plan, building an emergency kit, preparing for winter travel and using multiple ways to receive reliable emergency information rather than depending solely on a cell phone.
The conversation also explores the role of Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), preparedness planning with schools and community organizations, and why understanding the hazards around you is an important part of being prepared.
And stick around for the Fishbowl Questions, where Dusty and Dylan step away from emergency planning for a little fun — from favorite movies and comfort foods to elephants, Legos and the one item Dylan never wants to leave home without.
The biggest takeaway? Make a plan, communicate it, stay informed and pay attention to what's happening around you. A little preparation today can make a big difference when the unexpected happens.
🎙️ In The Know with SNCO takes you behind the scenes of Shawnee County government and introduces you to the people and programs serving our community.
Resources mentioned in this episode:• Ready.gov – emergency plans, preparedness kits and resources• Shawnee County Emergency Management – local preparedness information and resources
21 Jul 2026
Understanding Data Centers, Battery Storage & the County Counselor's Role
What does a County Counselor actually do? How are major development projects evaluated? And what exactly are data centers and battery energy storage systems (BESS)?
In this episode of In the Know with SNCO, Shawnee County Public Information Officer Amanda Monhollon sits down with County Counselor Rich Eckert to answer these questions and provide insight into some of the county's most talked-about topics.
Rich discusses the responsibilities of the County Counselor's Office, including providing legal guidance to the Board of County Commissioners, reviewing contracts, supporting county departments, and assisting with elections. He also explains how economic development projects move through the county process and why confidentiality is often necessary during the early stages of business recruitment.
The conversation takes a deeper dive into data centers and battery energy storage systems, including what they are, why companies are interested in Shawnee County, how permitting decisions are made, and the questions county officials consider before any project moves forward.
Whether you're interested in local government, economic development, or simply want to better understand the discussions happening in our community, this episode offers valuable insight into the process behind the decisions.
Topics covered:• The role of the Shawnee County Counselor• Contract review and legal services• Election law and county government• Data centers explained• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)• Economic development in Shawnee County• The county permitting and review process
14 May 2026
Recognizing the Team Behind Shawnee County
In this episode, we're talking about the first annual Shawnee County Employee Appreciation Picnic happening Friday, June 19th at Gage Park. Joining me is Shawnee County Commissioner Kevin Cook to talk about this new event, what employees and their families can expect, and why recognizing the people behind County services matters.
Who has been a guest on In The Know with SNCO
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Aaron Mays
John Landon
Sean Zears
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